Regina “Jeannie” M. Dunniway
Regina “Jeannie” M. Dunniway, 82, of Fishers, IN, and formerly of Morton, IL, died at 3:30 PM on Saturday July 14, 2018. Jeannie passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Hospice with her family by her side. She was born October 8, 1935, in Peoria, IL, to Clarence W. and Lucille (Rohman) Smith. She married David Dunniway on January 29, 1966, in Peoria.
Surviving are her two daughters, Heidi M. Dunniway, M.D. (Richard Gustafson) of Evansville, IN, and Kerri (Greg) Rose of Austin, TX; three grandchildren, Nicholas Rose, Meghan Rose, and Michael Gustafson; her sister Bernadette Eisenbarth; and her brother William (Cynthia) Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband David A. Dunniway; her parents; her siblings Angela Sharon, David Joseph, and Sister Mary Anne Smith, C.S.J.
After graduating from Academy of Our Lady in 1953, Jeannie worked for several years at Gauger and Diehl, where she met her future husband, David Dunniway. She and Dave resided in Morton and were members of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She volunteered for multiple organizations, including Altar and Rosary, PTO, Academy-Spalding School Board and St. Augustine Manor. Jeannie was active in Cursillo, and she and Dave served on several teams for Marriage Encounter.
In order to be closer to her daughters following Dave’s death in 2008, Jeannie relocated to Fishers, IN. There she became a member of Holy Spirit Parish at Geist. She enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including quilting, jewelry making, travel to visit family, and she was competitive at bridge, pinochle and any game in which she participated.
Jeannie loved her family and took great pride in their accomplishments. “Dub,” as she was affectionately known, particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, her daughters and their spouses.
Her kind, gentle spirit hid a sharp mind and quick wit, and she loved to share a good laugh with those around her. She was a great listener and made others comfortable in baring their soul to her. Jeannie’s cat, Tali, was devoted to her and will miss the pets and many treats, as will the many granddogs, -cats and -horses who all adored her.
A visitation will be held from 1-2 PM EST on Thursday July 19, 2018, in the chapel at Holy Spirit at Geist, Fishers, IN. A memorial mass will follow at 2 PM. Graveside service and interment will be held at 11 AM CST on Saturday July 21, 2018, at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Morton, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Vincent Hospice (stvincent.org), 8450 N. Payne Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org), PO Box 98011, Washington, DC 20090-8011.
Jan & Bill Sebastian says
Dear Bernie, Heidi and Kerri,
We are so sorry for your loss of your sweet Sister, Mother and Grandmother. Heidi and Kerri we
feel like we know you personally as she always spoke so highly of you and your families. Your loss of
your Mother is difficult and you will feel her by your side as you as your life continues. My Mother
has been gone since 1986 and I still find myself getting ready to call her. Jeannie was such
a sweet and gracious person. Blessings and Hugs, Jan and Bill
Cecelia Swolley says
Love and Prayers from Ron ❤️ Cece Swolley to Jeannie’s Family! Rest In Peace! God Bless all of you..c
Julia Nelson says
Dr. Dunniway and Family- So sorry to hear of your loss. I know that your mother was a very special person from the way you spoke of her. I have heard this expression before and wanted to share it with you “A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, and through our memories, they live on.” My condolences.
Dave Welsh says
Heidi, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Dave Welsh
Gay and Tony Sava says
Tony and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jeannie’s family and friends, especially to our dear friend Bernie and family and to the families of her daughters, Heidi and Kerri. We were so happy to meet you all at Erin and Scott’s wedding in New York. Jeannie was such a special person….there are no words good enough. She came into our lives whenever she was visiting Bernie. Those visits were ones to which we looked forward because we knew whatever we did with Jeannie , it would be fun! Jeannie patiently taught several of us how to play Canasta, and we tried our best, but by golly, she was good. She won often!
So as special as she was to us, I know that simply can’t compare to your loss. We hope that your many wonderful memories of Jeannie will help relieve the pain of your loss and sustain you in the weeks to come. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Please know that your families will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Mary Lou and Don Reichert says
Dear Dunniway family, The beauty of a life well lived never dies it continues to embrace and inspire us. May you comfort in your memories.
Marc Duerden says
Dear Heidi, Rich and family, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wilma and Frank Gaydos says
Dear Dunniway Family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy with the passing of your mom. We knew Jeannie for many years at Blessed Sacrament. I had the pleasure of working with her in the Blessed Sacrament rectory for three of those years for Father Finnell. She was a very dedicated employee and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Owens Mccreary says
Dear Heidi, Kerri and family,
Our heart and prayers go out to you upon the loss of dear Jeannie. She was a kind, loving woman and her exceptional spirit lives on in all of you.
May God’s love comfort you as you celebrate her wonderful life.
With love
Jane and John McCreary
Dianna Overbey says
Dr. Dunaway and family
Deepest sympathies to you and your family
Believe in…love at first sight because…you’ve been loving your Mother since you first opened your eyes. (unknown)
Warmly,
Dianna RN /Dr. Kelly Hiatt – Otolaryngology Associates
John Brown says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeannie’s family. I worked with Jeannie and Dave in the 1960’s. They were both beautiful people.
God bless
John Brown
John D. Short says
To Heidi and family – asking God’s special grace upon your family as you gather in your Mom’s memory. From all of your family of colleagues and friends of Franciscan Health, we extend love and sincere sympathy these days ahead. And with our prayers. -John Short.
The Kuhl's says
We are sorry to hear of Jeannie’s passing. Our prayer and hope are that she is celebrating a great life… and a great family with Dave… They were a ‘pair’ for sure! Our sympathy to all of those who she left behind.
Jan Keffer says
To Heidi, Kerri, and all the family. It is so hard to lose your Mom. She will always be with you and you will remember all the times you were able to share with her. I only knew her here at Britton Falls while she was a member of our jewelry group. She was very sharing and very talented. We will miss her so much. Bless you all.
Trw says
Dear Dunniway Family: Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. As the days and weeks go by, may the comfort from family, friends and scriptures like Acts 24:15 and Philippians 4:6,7 be of comfort to you. Again, I’m sorry for your loss.