Fay Marie (Hessenauer) Dunlop

FAY MARIE (Hessenauer) DUNLOP

July 24, 2024

Fay Marie Dunlop, age 88, of Chatham, Ontario, peacefully passed away at the Chatham Kent Hospice on July 24, 2024.  Born June 11, 1936 in Aldborough Township of Elgin to loving parents Henry and Florence Hessenauer.  Fay experienced the loss of her father at a very tender age of five.  Her mother and siblings, sister Shirley, brother Gerald, along with other extended family members, attended to Fay’s needs in those early years. 

Her life’s journey included a career in banking as well operating a daycare in her home upon retirement from the banking industry. 

Fay was married September 14th, 1968 to Donald Bernard Dunlop.  Sadly, this union only lasted 16 years as Don passed away on October 8, 1984.  Living alone in Chatham for the remainder of her life, Fay found joy visiting her family in London and spending time with her niece’s (Lori) children. 

Fay was a wonderful neighbour with the Ramsz family for 50 years, often sharing her garden space as well as engaging in family gatherings.  This relationship was mutually beneficial as they looked after each other’s properties and their personal wellbeing.

Due to health issues, Fay relocated to the Village on the Thames retirement residence in 2019 where she made many new friends.  She is dearly missed by all those who became her friend at the residence.  The residence offered independent living and opportunities to engage as much or as little in organized activities, joint meal sessions and outdoor chat sessions.  During the Covid restriction period, staff at the residence went beyond to best accommodate the residents and make their stay as pleasurable as possible given the challenges all retirement facilities were facing.  Although Fay often spoke of missing her larger space in her own home, the residence did provide many amenities Fay enjoyed.  

Fay is survived by her sister Shirley Frank of London, nephew William (Lee Anne Doyle) Frank of Kingsville, niece Janet Mehnert (Frank) of Cambridge, niece Lori Uttley (Barry) of London, two Grand Nieces, three Grand Nephews and two Great Grand Nieces 

Predeceased by her brother Henry "Gerald" Hessenauer (1983), sister-in-law Audrey Hessenauer (Trudell) (1984), brother-in-law Gerald Claude Frank (1999) and her nephew Gerald “Michael” Frank, April 2024, and many other family members of the Hessenauer, Baker and Frank families.

We thank all of the staff and friends at Village on the Thames, Chatham Kent Hospice and the Chatham Kent hospital for the care provided in the final stages of life. 

Visitation will take place Wednesday July 31st, 2024 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Arn Funeral Home / Denning Funeral Home 212 Furnival Rd, Rodney, ON N0L 2C0 followed by service on Friday August 2nd at 1:00 p.m. and interment at the Rodney Cemetery.

A live stream of the service will be available at: https://vimeo.com/event/4483178/39970634e6

Donations to the Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers are greatly appreciated.

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