Joan E. Dunning

Joan Elizabeth Dunning, 66, of Wilderness Trail in Harrisville died Friday March 2, 2012 at her residence surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was born June 10, 1945 in Peterborough daughter of Dennis W. and Shirley M. (Fish) Dunning. She was a 1963 graduate of the former Peterborough High School. Following graduation she moved to California to complete her education. Joan worked at two jobs to support herself while earning her B.A. degree from California State College in 1975 and her Teaching Credential and certification in 1979. She was deeply involved in the school community and planning at Woodlawn Elementary School in Bell, California for fourteen years. She was most proud that she successfully taught multigrade classes of students considered “troubled” by their previous teachers. Joan and her partner of 37 years, Bonnie Bowman moved to Harrisville in 1994 and settled on the shores of Lake Skatutakee. There she lavished the same care and affection on her neighbors and surrounding wildlife. She was a fierce advocate for her many friends, both human and animal. Cats in the house, geese on the pond, otters on the ice, squirrels in the yard, birds in the trees, raccoons on the porch, bears at the bird feeders, Joan loved them all. Hunters beware; Joan was watching her geese everyday! Joan is survived by her wife of one year and Life Companion for thirty-six years, Bonnie Bowman of Harrisville; her mother Shirley M. Hall of Swanzey; two brothers Richard A. Dunning of Peterborough and Dennis W. Dunning Jr. of Dublin; her Aunt Susan E. Greenough of Jaffrey; her special angel friend, Sue Brown of Harrisville; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Private burial in the Willard Hill Cemetery in Harrisville will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for those who wish, may be made to either the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey NH 03446 or to Hospice at HCS, Post Office Box 496, Peterborough NH 03458

As per Joan’s request, there will be no calling hours.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a Memorial Celebration of her Life, to be held Saturday March 10, 2012 at 1:00 PM in the Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 33 River Street (Route 202S), Jaffrey. Rev. Dr. Bonnie McCarthy of Winchester will officiate.