Annetta D. Dunkle

Annetta D. Dunkle, 86, a longtime resident of Norwich, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018, at Chenango Memorial Hospital with family by her side.

Born on September 20, 1931, in Sunbury, PA, Annetta was the daughter of Emil and Hannah Mildred (Gass) Deussen. She attended Hummels Wharf Schools, in Bloomsburg, PA, and graduated in the top three of her high school class. After high school, she attended Albright College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1953. She also attended Columbia University, where she studied physical therapy, as well as Westchester Community College and Pace University.

She began work in 1975 in the Westchester County Medical Center, then started work in 1980 at the Ruth Taylor Institute, where she was the supervisor of physical therapy. After moving from Katonah, NY, to Norwich, in 1987, she began work at SECO, in Norwich, as a physical therapist.

In 1953, Annetta married Edwin R. Dunkle Jr. Together they would have three children. Edwin died in 1978. In 1989, Annetta met Ernie Bliss, and the two of them would become close companions until Ernie’s death in 2004.

Annetta was a talented seamstress, enjoyed quilting, and was a member of the Chenango Piecemaker quilting guild. She also found pleasure in shopping, and in particular finding deals at the grocery store. Annetta was also a member of the United Church of Christ, First Congregational, in Norwich. She also fought and survived breast cancer.

Annetta is survived by her beloved children Steven (Jeanette) Dunkle, PhD, of Dalton, GA, Eric (Melissa) Dunkle, of Hudson, NH, and Denise Myers (Malcolm Comfort), of Norwich; grandchildren Elizabeth (Jason) Fleming, Jake Dunkle, Yelena Valentine, and Mike Moon (Kristina Moss); great-grandson Wyatt T. Fleming; and sister Emily (Joseph) Vincent, of Allentown, PA. She also leaves behind her adored cat Molly.

The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the staff of the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and the Chenango Memorial Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion they offered to Annetta and her family. It will always be remembered.

A memorial service for Annetta will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, where Rev. Joseph Connolly, pastor, United Church of Christ, First Congregational, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at the Plymouth South Side Cemetery, in Plymouth, NY. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Contributions in Annetta’s memory made be made to United Church of Christ, 11 West Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.