Mary T. Dunn was born on August 29, 1923, in Seattle, Washington. After serving in the Civil Service at Anchorage, Alaska, as a cryptographer during World War II, Mary married Frank H. Dunn, Jr. The couple resided in Tulsa shortly after the war's end. Mary was dedicated to the well-being of her husband and three daughters. But her deep-seated convictions about the freedoms Americans enjoy, her love of music and art and her commitment to the Lord's work were all driving forces in how she chose to spend her time and talents.
An active Republican, Mary T. served as Vice Chairman of the Tulsa County Republican Party during the mid 1960's. As a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1968, she was an early promoter of the idea that Ronald Reagan would be a stellar US President. Mary also helped campaign for many other GOP candidates, including Senator James Inhofe, Governor Henry Bellmon and Representative Page Belcher.
During the 1970's, Mary turned her attention to music and the arts. She served as President of The Women's Division of the Tulsa Philharmonic and President of the Philbrook PACERS. One of Mary's favorite activities was participating in the Philbrook Quilters. Weekly quilting sessions at Mary's home over the course of two decades produced exquisite quilts which were raffled off during Festival of Trees at the museum.
During the 1980's, Mary became extremely active in United Methodist Women (UMW) at First United Methodist Church. Once again, Mary served in various leadership positions to help raise money for missions as well as augment the resources needed to sustain the church.
In spite of her busy schedule, Mary always found time to help her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary's husband Frank, died on 1/3/2014. A granddaughter, Lo Detrich, passed away in 2012. Another step-granddaughter, Cheryl Burkemper, died in 2013. Survivors include three daughters and their husbands, Ginny and Jim Furr, Susie and Leo McIntire, and Terry and Don Detrich, all of Tulsa. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Contributions to CruTulsa-City Strategies, 6713 E. 97th St., Tulsa, OK 74133 would be greatly appreciated or First Methodist Women's Ministries, 11th and Boulder.
Memorial service 12:30 Friday, April 10, 2015 at University Village Theater Room.
Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.