Obituary of Jean Susan Dunning
Jean Susan Dunning
(nee Zboran)
Jean Susan Dunning, of Plainfield, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55, on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Edward Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Jean was born in Norristown, PA, on March 5, 1967, the daughter of Louis and Rita (nee Rossi) Zboran. She grew up in Berwyn, IL and was a graduate of Morton East High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Rosary College. Jean met the love of her life, Michael Dunning, in 1987. They were married in 1991 and built a beautiful life with their four children and three grandchildren.
Jean was an accomplished writer and photographer. She had her own column in the Herald News on the “People and Places” page, and started several novels, hoping to one day be published. The success of her column in the newspaper led her to take up photography, which she also had a passion for. Jean’s artistic eye grew into a business in the community that she was proud of. She started as the Band Photographer in the Plainfield High School District, which quickly developed into senior portraits and later children’s photography. She is known as the “Fairy Photographer” at Pilcher Park. Loving the work that she did paled in comparison to the love she had for her family.
Jean was active in the lives of her four children and stood by her husband’s side in everything he did. It was graduating into the role of “Nana” that she was most proud of. When they weren’t spending time with the grandkids, Jean and Michael spent as much time as they could traveling together. In the last two years, they were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the open road in their RV exploring over 28 states.
Jean is survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, Michael Dunning; her three sons, Ryan, (Allyson) Dunning, Andrew (Michelle) Dunning, and Matthew Dunning; her daughter, Meghan Dunning; grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Olivia, and one on the way; her mother, Rita Zboran; brother, Jim (Shirley) Zboran; and her in-laws, Diane (Charles) Smith, Carol (Kris) Patel, Charles (Marge) Dunning, Joanne (Carl) Bergman, Mary Beth (Jay) Lurquin, and Denise (Michael) Trumbull. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
She is preceded by her father, Louis Zboran; and her sister-in-law, Mary Anne Dunning.
A Celebration of Life for Jean Susan Dunning will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, starting at 12:00 noon at the American Legion Marne Post 13, 24741 Renwick Rd., Plainfield, IL. As it was Jean’s request, cremation rites have been accorded. The family requests those attending to wear casual attire.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to Plainfield Interfaith Food Pantry, 22525 W Lockport Rd, Plainfield, IL 60544 would be appreciated.
For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
