Obituary of Frances J. Dunfield

Frances Jane Dunfield of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. She was 68. Born October 11, 1944 in Norfolk, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Millis Slaughter. She graduated from Maury High School in 1962, where she sang in the chorus. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Education in 1966 from Old Dominion University. In 1967 she married Greg Dunfield. Together, they had two sons, Jonathan and Patrick. In 1969 the family moved north, settling in Wappingers Falls in 1970; Frances would remain in her Wappingers Falls home for the remainder of her life. Mrs. Dunfield was a social worker for the Department of Social Services in Poughkeepsie for 24 years, until her retirement. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wappingers Falls where over the years she served as Elder, Deacon and choir member. She enjoyed the love and companionship of her extended church and work families, as well as numerous friends and neighbors. Frances was always willing and able to lend a helping hand or a listening ear, making sacrifices to help others out and putting them before herself. She was known for her cheerful laugh and giving nature. She was never short of a kind word and always gave freely of her time and herself. Fran also adored animals, having an undying love for creatures great and small. In addition to her sons, Jonathan Dunfield and Patrick Dunfield, Fran is survived by her sister, Mary Ann French and her husband, Tom; her former husband, Greg Dunfield; grandson, Dylan; and her niece, Heidi Anderson, her husband, Jason and their daughter, Cara. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wappingers Falls, South Avenue; the Reverend Lindsay Borden will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fran's name to the Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.