Sally Dunavan

Formerly of Norwalk Sally Dunavan died peacefully November 14, 2015 in Bellingham, Washington, where she had lived for the past five years. She was born Sarah Louise Baker on June 19, 1935, the daughter of Florence Luebert Baker and Edgar Fisler Baker. Sally grew up in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, graduating from Plainfield High School in 1953. She graduated from Radcliffe College in 1957 with honors in biology. She married David S. Dunavan, and they moved to Norwalk in 1960 after the birth of their first child. Sally worked in medical offices and pharmacies, continuing her life-long interest in medicine. Sally loved the community of Norwalk. She often said her father taught her the importance of caring for others and working to make the world a better place. She volunteered with the American Red Cross as a blood driver and with the Service to Military Families program, and she visited isolated seniors through a program called FISH. She mentored middle school students and was a long-time volunteer with SW Connecticut Girl Scout Council. She was a very active member of the First Congregational Church on the Green, where she was a deacon and was treasurer for over 20 years. Through the church, she continued her community involvement, bringing communion to nursing home residents and helping to create a short-term loan program for people facing housing emergencies. She served on the Board of Directors for Miss Laura Raymond Homes. She was the person everyone called for help with any kind of crisis. Sally lived in Norwalk for nearly 50 years before moving to live closer to her children as she faced a cancer diagnosis and increasing dementia. Even when many things became really difficult for her, she kept her loving spirit, kindness, strength, and incredible determination. Sally is survived by her three children: Scott Dunavan (Dinah) of Dunedin, New Zealand; Caryl Dunavan (Andy Ross) of Bellingham, WA; and Gail Dunavan of Lynnwood, WA, as well as her brother John Baker (Beverly) and family of Atlanta, GA. Her husband Dave Dunavan died in 2003. Our family is forever grateful to all who helped care for our Mom, especially in the last few years. In her memory, we ask that you reach out to those living with dementia and their loved ones. Find creative ways to continue to welcome and include them in all communities and activities. Visit someone in a “Memory Care” facility, especially someone without family nearby. All are welcome to join in a celebration of Sally’s life on Saturday, November 28 at 5pm at the First Congregational Church on the Green in Norwalk.