Claire Schantz Dunn, age 90, passed peacefully on July 4, 2024 at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge, where she resided the past several years after the onset of Alzheimer's and then an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis.

Claire grew up in Linden, NJ with her parents, William "Ray" Schantz and Marie (Eilbacher), her sister Anita and brother William "Bud" Jr.

A graduate of St. Mary's HS, Elizabeth (1951), Claire was later married to classmate Thomas Dunn (d. 1998) on September 20, 1958, an everlasting commitment she kept in heart for the rest of her life. Together for 40 years, they poured their hearts and souls into raising their six children in Fords. The family attended Our Lady of Peace Church, where Claire volunteered for years in different roles.

Claire was preceded in death by the love-of-her-life, Tom Dunn, her sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Robert Guempel, and her brother and sister-in-law, William "Bud" and Mary Jo Schantz, Jr.; her close in-laws on Tom's side- Joe Dunn, Eileen & John Schafer, John Dunn, Mim & Chuck Schleckser; her dearest lifelong friends, Mary Anne Hurley and Sarah Dooley. Surviving are sisters-in-law Mary Lou Dunn and Cathy Dunn.

The Dunn siblings and spouses share blessed memories - Ann & Jeff Hughes, Eileen & John Wataha, Tim & Theresa Dunn, Susan & Gary Burgess, Carolyn & John Monahan, Mike & Deborah Dunn.

Claire's grandchildren could not have been loved more - Sean and Sandy Hughes, Raela Wataha, Tara Garcia and Tommy Dunn, Brian and Justin Burgess, Daria and Kacey Monahan, James, Joe, and Josh Dunn - and they brought their "Grandma" so much love and joy.

Claire and Tom had numerous nieces and nephews on both sides, whom she cherished and supported unconditionally. For as long as she could, "Aunt Claire" kept diligent track of each birthday, anniversary and holiday. The love the cousins and their families gave back sustained her for all these years.

Claire easily reached out and befriended all her neighbors on Louis Street. They in turn treated "Mrs. Dunn" warmly, kindly, and with great care. The family is so appreciative to all of them, especially the many years with Dorothy & Izzy, Joyce, Angie & Mike.

Claire gently resisted leaving her home of 60 years in Fords, and especially having to give up her full-time aide and loving friend, Maggie. Forever being warm and kind to all, she easily adapted to the attentive and friendly care she received at the Reformed Church Home while her Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer progressed. Her family is forever grateful to these charitable caregivers.

Friends may call on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, where funeral services will begin on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 10:00am followed by a 10:30am funeral liturgy in Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Fords. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen.

The family requests that you please consider a donation in Claire's honor to:

Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 W. 44th Street Suite 609, New York NY 10036 ( www.bcrf.org), to Friendship Circle of Central Jersey, 215 Gordon's Corner Road, Suite 1G, Manalapan NJ 07726 ( www.friendsnj.com ), or consider the "plant a tree" through this website.