On May 12, 2025, we said goodbye to a caring, compassionate, and selfless soul—Alice Marie Dunn, also known to many as Sue. Born on June 28, 1945, Alice lived a full life, one defined by resilience, humility, and boundless love. She is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne Dunn, son Clint Gagliardo, granddaughter Marissa Gagliardo, and her brother, Bill Whitaker. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton Whitaker and Adean Whitaker-Fackler.

Alice spent her formative years in Mesquite, Texas, graduating from Mesquite High School in 1963. In 1976, she found her life partner, Wayne Dunn, while working at Century 21. Together, they embarked on a beautiful journey of marriage and later raised a blended family that brought them immense joy. Throughout her life, Alice explored a variety of careers, from beauty and telecommunications to real estate, but her true passion was floristry. She found her calling at Kroger, where she worked as a florist from the late 1970s until her retirement in 2019.

Known for her zest for life, Alice had a wide range of interests. A passionate fan of television, she enjoyed shows like NCIS, Outlander, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, Law & Order, Dexter, House, and any intriguing "whodunits." She loved movies too, with favorites such as Tombstone, Legends of the Fall, Elvis, and Jaws. Though she wasn’t an avid reader, Alice found thrill in the works of Stephen King.

Alice had a serious sweet tooth and was never one to turn down a good dessert. Her favorites included Rice Krispy treats, Black Forest cake, banana pudding, peach cobbler, vanilla bean ice cream, and chocolate malts or milkshakes—simple pleasures that brought her so much joy. She also had a deep love for Southern comfort food, with hearty steak dinners, BBQ, fried potatoes and onions, mustard potato salad, fried chicken, chicken and dressing, and fried squash among her favorites. And, of course, no one could forget her fondness for fried liver and onions—a true Alice classic.

Though Alice enjoyed playing dominoes and Kanasta in her spare time, gardening was truly her passion. Her garden reflected her soul—nurturing, vibrant, and full of life. As she tended to her plants, she poured love and care into each one, watching them grow just as she did with the people around her. Her garden wasn’t merely a place of beauty; it was a sanctuary, much like her heart, where all who entered could feel the love, peace, and joy she sowed into everything she touched.

More than anything, Alice shared a close bond with Marissa and Clint, and their time together was filled with little moments of joy. Whether laughing over shared memories, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or tackling a new DIY project, Alice's warmth and presence made every moment special. Her love for them was clear in the way she listened, the way she cared, and the way she always made room for them in her heart. Those moments, big or small, became cherished memories woven into the fabric of their lives and will forever be a testament to the bond they shared.

Alice’s legacy is one of unwavering kindness—always putting others first without seeking praise. She taught us that true strength is gentle, that love is best expressed in small, everyday acts, and that laughter has the power to heal even the deepest sorrow. Her life advice was simple yet profound: "Love fiercely, readily forgive, and never go to bed upset or with regrets."

Today, we remember and honor the life of Alice Marie Dunn—a woman of grace, resilience, and boundless love, who touched the lives of all who knew her.

As everyone knows, in the spring of 2021, Alice was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but she never let it define her. Despite the challenges it brought, she fought hard against it with the same strength and determination she displayed throughout her life. She faced each day with resilience and grace, refusing to give up and always showing love and courage in the face of adversity. In honor of her fight and the many others battling this disease, we invite you to make a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted and deeply appreciated. You may donate at https://everloved.com/life-of….

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