Kathleen S. Dunbar

Kathleen S. Dunbar obituary

Kathleen S. Dunbar

Kathleen Dunbar Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 16, 2024.
Kathleen S. Dunbar, aged 72, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Navarre, passed away on January 12, 2024, at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, AZ. surrounded by her sons and her sister after a brief battle with Cancer. She was born on December 31, 1951, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Raymond T. and Margaret I. Swihart. Kathleen fought a brave battle against kidney disease from her teenage years until receiving a life-saving transplant in 2010. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, known for her love of family, baking, ceramics, and the joy she found in the holiday season, particularly Christmas, decorating the home from top to bottom.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, John F. (Kelly) Dayton of Canton and Bryan D. (Christina) Dayton of Navarre; grandchildren Chelsea, Brandon, Mackenzie, Lily, Belle, Reed, Breanne, and Brayden; great-grandson Liam; brother Timothy (Patty) Swihart of Canton; and sister Laura (David) Blecker of Mesa, AZ. ; numerous loved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by three brothers: Patrick, Brian, and Michael Swihart, and sister Suzy (Swihart) Pallottini.

Kathleen received her education at St. John's Catholic Church Primary School and graduated from Lehman High School in 1969. Kathleen retired from Alliance Imaging after many years of service.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center for their exceptional care and to Lund House Hospice of Hospice of the Valley-Phoenix, AZ for their compassionate support during Kathleen's final days. Special thank you to Laura and David Blecker for everything they did over the past 2+ years. Aunt Laura, you've been Mom's best friend since the day you were born, thank you for all you've done.

Per her wishes, Cremation services will be provided by Legacy Funeral Home of Chandler, AZ, and her ashes will be laid to rest along side family at St. John's Catholic Church Cemetery in Canton, OH, at a later date. There will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, her sons ask that donations may be made to The National Kidney Foundation.

Please note that this is a user-submitted obituary and not an official publication.

Sign Kathleen Dunbar's Guest Book

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January 18, 2024

Brenda Holbein posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2024

Amber posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2024

Lisa George (Michel) posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Brenda Holbein

January 18, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brenda Holbein and Bonnie Zawadski
We worked with Kathleen at Alliance Imaging. Bonnie also worked with her at Burlington.

Amber

January 17, 2024

I had the pleasure of learning so much from Katey at Alliance Imaging and was her chauffeur home many times. Katey even nic named me Maria Unsteady because I drove so fast. She loved her kids and grandkids so much and would always smile when bragging about them. Until we meet again!

Lisa George (Michel)

January 17, 2024

Kathleen baked amazing cookies, was a hard worker and perfectionist. She had a heart of gold. I worked with Kathleen at Burlington Coat Factory and Alliance Imaging and she made me laugh when things would get a little hectic. Kathleen was the first person I reached out to when I got engaged. Three of us went to Tlaquepaqe in Jackson two, Canton, OH and had margaritas an dinner when I got engaged. I learned that you don't forget where you come from and family is top priority.

Charity

January 17, 2024

I always think of you when I hear Van Halen´s OU812, you made me fall in love with that album. You had an amazing smile that was infectious. RIP Kathy

Mackenzie Dayton

January 16, 2024

I love you so much Mawmaw! I will never forget everything that you thought me, I know you'll be standing right there with me anytime I make our cookies. I couldn't have asked for a better grandma. I will forever cherish every memory we made together, every text, every phone call. I miss you and I love you more than words can describe. Until we meet again.

Kaleel George

January 16, 2024

We will miss you Aunt Kathy. I will always miss the Banana bread and the jokes that put a smile on everyone´s face. John ,Bryan and Aunt Laura, I am so truly sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

Brandon Dayton

January 16, 2024

Even though I´d hear it from dad and grandpa we used to make cookies while they hunted until I got old enough to go and our long conversations in the kitchen about anything and everything, I love you grandma rest easy

Breanne Murray

January 16, 2024

You were the best grandmother I could have asked for. I´m not sure how I´ll do it without you but I´m sure going to try to make you proud. I love you mamaw

Melissa Stevenson

January 16, 2024

I will miss you Aunt Kathy, you always made me feel loved and wanted, that is how every memory I have of you makes me feel. John and Bryan, I am so truly sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you.

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Sign Kathleen Dunbar's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 18, 2024

Brenda Holbein posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2024

Amber posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2024

Lisa George (Michel) posted to the memorial.