Obituary of Wanda H Dungan

Wanda Patricia Horton Dungan, 92, of Hornell and Almond, N.Y., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Christmas morning (December 25, 2021), at Elderwood, Hornell where she had resided for the past 10 months. She was born in Painted Post, N.Y. on July 7, 1929 to Alanson and Ruby Ervilla (Aldrich) Horton. She was married to LeRoy E. Dungan on July 5, 1958 and he preceded her in death on February 7, 1985. One of six siblings, she is survived by her brother Arthur (Phyllis) Horton of Alfred Station, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Theda (Jim) May, Marguerite (Bruno) Kubarek, Jane (Albert) Evans and Alanson (Maria) Horton. As a child, she lived in Hornell, Nunda, Buffalo and finally Brooklyn, N.Y. from the age of 12 until her move back to her roots of Alfred, N.Y. in her early 20’s. Her stories of growing up in N.Y.C. included skipping school to see Frank Sinatra on stage, “beaching it” at Coney Island and many Flatbush Avenue memories. When she left N.Y.C. and her job as a designer, she was hired by the renowned Glidden Pottery of Alfred, N.Y. as a respected painter and artist. She continued her passion for painting and the arts even through her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was employed at Alfred State College for over 30 years and retired in 1989. Her surviving children are Rick Dungan of Hornell, N.Y. and Ervilla Dungan (Michael) Crandall of Almond, N.Y. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Andrea (Sean) DeRubba of Poquoson, Va. and their children Kennedy, Colton and Crew; Eric (Michelle) Crandall of Bristow, Va. and their children, Adalyn and Landon; and Erin (Billy) Weakland of Hornell, N.Y. and their children Paisley and Penelope. LeRoy and Wanda lovingly opened their hearts and their home to their nieces, Gail Horton (William) Johnson and Holly Horton (Shawn) Hogan (brother Alanson Horton’s children) in 1960. Needing a larger home, Roy and Wanda built a new house together in 1965 on Karr Valley Rd. in Almond, N.Y. (as LeRoy was a master carpenter). They loved working together in their backyard garden and sharing the fruits of their labor. They hosted many parties and enjoyed friends and family gatherings at their home. The family memories continue as it has been the home of their daughter Ervilla’s family for over 35 years. Wanda was a mentor, mother, psychologist (without a degree), spiritual worker (without an assigned church), artist of many mediums and a “damn good friend.” She was “more fun than a barrel of monkeys.” Her children and grandchildren were her life and she could be seen at every single school or sporting event. She loved a cold beer, some good music, singing and impromptu dancing. She touched many people’s lives with her ability to show them acceptance, kindness, understanding and love, as well as demonstrating a love of life, laughter and joy. Color of skin, economic standing or past discretions did not matter to her. She was there to help, forgive and facilitate goodness. May her beautiful soul rest in peace with her loved ones in heaven. At this time, there will be no calling hours. A private committal service will take place at a later date. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Almond, N.Y. Memorial contributions in Wanda’s name may be made to The Almond Historical Society, 7 North Main Street, Almond NY 14804 To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @brownpowersfh. The family is being assisted by Anthony Cone, director at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell.