Kathleen Dunn

In Loving Memory of Kathleen McAuliffe Hegner Dunn

Kathleen McAuliffe Hegner Dunn, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Arlington, TX at the age of 82. Kathleen was born on April 12, 1941, in Bellevue, PA, to the proud parents William Wendell Hegner and Johanna Eileen McAuliffe.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, Kathleen spent her childhood years surrounded by love and laughter. At the age of 18, she embarked on a beautiful journey of love and marriage, and soon after, she and her husband Robert Dunn moved to Fort Worth, TX, before finally settling in Arlington.

Kathleen was a woman of resilience and determination. She completed her education by earning her high school diploma at the age of 55 through Arlington High School Night Completion classes. She also pursued her passions, taking courses in cake decorating, floral arranging, and even learning belly dancing. Kathleen’s zest for life was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Throughout her life, Kathleen found joy in simple pleasures. She could often be found knitting or crocheting, engrossed in a fascinating book, or tending to her beautiful flower garden. She cherished the outdoors and enjoyed activities such as biking, walking, and exploring nature. She was a regular attendee and supporter of the Indian dances that took place in the Metroplex. Most of all, Kathleen treasured the time spent with her family, including her children, grandchildren, and friends. She was known as “mom” to all kids in the neighborhood. Kathleen had a remarkable ability to make anyone feel valued and cared for, no matter their background. Her warm spirit and genuine interest in others will be deeply missed.

Kathleen was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert L. Dunn, her parents William and Johanna Hegner, her brothers William and Stephen Hegner, and her grandson David Kirkland. She is survived by her sons Robert Dunn Jr. and Walter Dunn, along with his wife Michelle, her son James Dunn and his wife Carol, her daughter Elizabeth “Libby” Dunn and boyfriend Donnie, and her sister JoAnn, and her husband Calvin Andersen. Kathleen also leaves behind her nieces, Kaya Hegner, Christine and her husband Loren Stevens, and their children Trinity and Luke Stevens, as well as her brother Ronald Hegner. She will forever be remembered by her grandchildren Jennifer, Monica, Sarah, Whitney, Chelsey, Tylor, Hailey, Taylor, Collin, and Noah, as well as her great-grandchildren Devin, Jaden, Shawn, Brooklyne, Trae, Zachery, and Elena.

A public viewing will be held at Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, located at 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013 on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. to allow friends and family to pay their respects. A funeral will take place on Thursday, January 25, at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. A graveside service to honor and celebrate Kathleen’s life will be held on Thursday, January 25, at 2:30 p.m. at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, TX.

During this difficult time, let us remember Kathleen’s loving spirit, her dedication to family, and the joy she brought into the lives of all those around her. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts, and her legacy will live on through the love she shared with each and every one of us.