Marie Henrietta Dunn

Marie had a long life of 98 years and died peacefully in her home on March 23, 2023. Marie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Julius and Henrietta Poschen. She was the loving mother of 4 children: Lynn, Mark, Timothy (deceased) and Mary Ann. She was affectionately known as “Gram” or “GG” to her 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

She is remembered as one of a kind and described as loud, opinionated, honest, and fiercely loyal to her family. She was a tough nut to crack but once you were in, there wasn’t a person in the world that would protect and champion you more than her.

She brought up her 4 children as a single mother in the 50’s and not only survived but thrived. She sold real estate as a woman in man’s world and her business acumen was second to none. Her real estate career spanned 50 years, starting in 1954 in Los Angeles and later when she moved to Santa Clara. Her clients didn’t know it at the time but eventually many of them would become some of Marie’s dearest friends.

Marie loved to travel throughout her lifetime and was able to visit all 7 continents. She walked among the penguins in Antarctica and got up close and personal with her favorite, the elephant, on her multiple trips to Africa. She instilled the love of travel to many members of her family, hosting numerous excursions all over the world.

Marie was always up for a party and was, in fact, the life of every one she attended or hosted! Starting in her 80’s her personal theme song was “Stayin’ Alive” which she did...for 98 years! She loved to laugh, dance, sing and play cards with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. You could always catch her at the table playing “Doubles Gin” or “War” with the youngest ones. If you missed her at the card table, you’d probably find her on the beach in Santa Cruz, playing the ukulele with her friends every Saturday.

Importantly, Marie was a woman of faith. She was a devoted parishioner at Saint Clare Parish in Santa Clara. She got through many of life’s ups, downs, and everything in between, letting her faith guide the way.

Marie will be deeply missed by all her family, friends, and all her neighbor friends who she’d spend countless hours with, laughing, hanging out and, you guessed it, playing cards.

Rest In Peace

Funeral Mass to be held at St. Clare Parish 725 Washington St. Santa Clara

11:00 a.m. 4/29/23. Reception to follow. No flowers please. Donations in her name can be made to St. Clare Parish "Youth Pilgramage to Portugal"