Obituary of Stella Marie Dunn
STELLA MARIE (nee Atherton) DUNN
It is with love and sadness that we, the family of Stella Marie (nee Atherton) Dunn, announce her peaceful passing on Saturday September 20, 2025, in the Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, NS.
Stella is survived by daughters Rhonda Brennan (Wolfville, NS) and Janis Brennan (Wilmot, NS); by grandchildren Daniel, Lindsey, Valen, Jade, Kyla, Max, Tyra, Ena, Zoe and Jassy; by many loved great-grandchildren; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada and England.
Stella is predeceased by her beloved husband James “Joe” Dunn (Aylesford, NS); by her favourite son, Jimmie Brennan (Port Lorne, NS); by her loving parents, Richard and Francis (nee Hill) Atherton (Preston, England); by all of her siblings: Alicia Spinney (Kingston, NS), Arthur (Liverpool, England), Marcella Adams (Liverpool, England), Jean (Preston, England), Anthony “Tony” (Preston, England), Richard (England), Edward (England); and by best friend, Lenore Glenn (Mississauga, Ontario).
Stella came to Canada circa 1958 on a promise to her Mum that if anything happened to her Mum, Stella would come to Canada to be with her sister, Alicia, who had “crossed the pond”. as a War Bride. Stella worked two jobs: one for room and board and one for savings. She worked hard. After two years, Stella sailed to Canada, docking in Montreal, PQ. Stella had moved from the bustling, manufacturing city of Preston, England to the very rural village of Kingston, NS outskirts. And, she hated it.
Stella was determined to go back to England. But, with time, Stella’s life changed. She married, had children and moved with her family to Ontario where, after several retail jobs, Stella began working at the Purolator filter manufacturing factory in Long Branch, Toronto. There, Stella became heavily involved in the CAW/TCA and the CLC. Stella worked at Purolator until the plant closed in the late 1980’s. Then, Stella and her second husband, Joe, retired to Aylesford, NS in 1991.
In Aylesford, Stella loved making miniatures for the many dollhouses she collected. Stella was a member of the Kingston Legion. She loved doing jigsaw puzzles and word searches, and she loved knitting slippers, socks and mittens for her loved ones and for charity. She loved giving and receiving unique cards. Stella was an avid reader and would often read her books many times (Stella read “Mr. Darcy’s Diary” 88 times). Stella loved taking care of her home and enjoyed her life.
The family extends much gratitude to Karl and Sharron Derhak for being the kind and caring neighbours whom Stella was so lucky to have; and to the Transitional Care Unit of Soldiers Memorial Hospital who gently eased Stella’s journey and helped her family in Stella’s final moments.
A funeral service will take place on Thursday October 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Serenity Chapel, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Drive, Coldbrook, NS. Interment to immediately follow the service at the Catholic Cemetery, Kingston, NS. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to local food banks
