Kathleen Frances Dunn

With deep sorrow, but with faith in God's promise of eternal life, we celebrate the life of Kathleen Frances "Kitty" Dunn, born Kathleen Frances Darche and formerly Kathleen Frances Smith, who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on April 20, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born in June 1950 in Pekin, Illinois, Kitty was the daughter of Marilyn and Eugene Darche. As a young child, she moved with her family to Florida, where she spent nearly all of her life. She was one of five siblings and is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Marilyn and Shelley, and her brother, Todd. She was preceded in death by her brother, David, in 2021.

In 1970, Kitty married Benjamin "Smitty" Smith, and together they welcomed three children—Christopher, Kathleen, and Benjamin. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 2000, they shared many years raising their family and creating countless cherished memories. In 2008, Kitty married Paul Dunn, beginning another wonderful chapter of life centered on faith, companionship, and family.

For more than thirty years, Kitty faithfully served the Jacksonville community as an employee of the United States Postal Service. She believed in honest work, personal responsibility, and giving her very best every day. Recognition was never important to her, nor were material possessions. She found fulfillment in a simple life, meaningful relationships, and caring for the people she loved.

Kitty was a woman of remarkable strength, intelligence, determination, and unwavering integrity. She possessed an incredible work ethic and approached life with practical wisdom and resilience. She was known for speaking honestly and directly—you always knew exactly where you stood with Kitty. Though her words could sometimes be blunt, they were always sincere and came from a place of love.

Family was the center of Kitty's world. She treasured time spent together playing cards, working puzzles, sharing meals, or simply enjoying one another's company. She loved being outdoors and embraced Florida's natural beauty. Whether she was swimming, kayaking, or volunteering to patrol the Rainbow River to help preserve one of the state's most treasured natural resources, she found joy and peace in nature. She believed that if something was worth caring about, it was worth serving. One phrase her family will forever hear in her voice was, "Load 'em up and move 'em out!" It perfectly captured her energetic spirit, practical nature, and readiness to tackle whatever came next.

Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. Raised in the Catholic Church, Kitty remained deeply rooted in the values that shaped her from childhood. She made it a priority that each of her children attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school, faithfully brought them to Mass, and instilled in them the importance of living according to the Ten Commandments. After marrying Paul, she worshipped alongside him in the Baptist church while remaining true to the faith that had guided her throughout her life. She never focused on denominational differences but instead embraced what united them—a shared love of God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Even during her courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease, the faith she had nurtured throughout her lifetime never left her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she has been made whole in the presence of her Savior.

Kitty is lovingly survived by her husband, Paul Dunn; her children, Christopher Smith, Dr. Kathleen Deckard (Brad Deckard), and Benjamin Smith Jr.; her beloved grandchildren, Abigail Deckard and Gavin Deckard; her former husband, Benjamin "Smitty" Smith; her sisters, Marilyn and Shelley; her brother, Todd; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and former coworkers whose lives were touched by her kindness, steadfast faith, and quiet example.

Her legacy is one of unwavering faith, quiet strength, integrity, humility, hard work, and unconditional love. She taught those around her that the greatest expressions of love are found not in words but in faithfulness, sacrifice, service, and simply showing up for the people who matter most. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in God's promise of eternal life and is grateful for the lasting example she leaves behind.