Vandella Dunn's Obituary
Vandella G. Dunn (nee Gould), age 97, of Marmora, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Raised in Bridgeton, NJ, she was the daughter of Rev. Hubert and Dorothy (Pierce) Gould. Vandella attended Bridgeton Public Schools and earned her degree from Cheyney State Teachers’ College, where she met her beloved husband, Nathan “Nate” Dunn.
Vandella dedicated many years to teaching, starting at Gouldtown School in Fairfield Township and continuing her career at Grant Grammar School, Salem High School, and Oakcrest High School before retiring from Absegami High School in 1987. As a home economics teacher, she found great joy in equipping her students with essential life skills sharing her passions for sewing, cooking, and crafting. Many former students would remark how much she inspired them and were thankful for the knowledge she passed on to them. Later, she would use those same teaching skills to inspire and guide her grandchildren, instilling the importance of these valuable life lessons. And, as the matriarch of the family, she was a strong leader and made sure to impart family history to younger generations. She was also the keeper of many old family recipes and kept them alive by passing them along to the family.
A founding member of Kings Memorial Church in Bridgeton, established in 1953, Vandella served many years as the Church board’s secretary and treasurer. She was actively involved in the Young Peoples Progressive Club of Gouldtown, a former member of the Colonial Riders Motorcycle Club, a participant in the Ocean City Exchange Club, and a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority at Cheyney State. She was also a proud member of the local Nanticoke Lenni- Lenape Native American tribe.
Vandella was married for 73 years to her late husband, Nathan Dunn. They shared a profound love for travel, visiting 48 U.S. states and exploring various countries. Their adventures included camping trips, from tents to travel trailers and, ultimately, a motorhome. They cherished many winters at their vacation home in Leesburg, FL, where they enjoyed quality time with friends made over the years. Vandella frequently traveled with her sister Janet and her husband Ralph Gilbert, and together, they delighted in scouring yard sales, flea markets, and outlet malls, competing to uncover the best bargains.
In recent years, she developed a fondness for Nate’s love of the Phillies, rarely ever missing a game. She enjoyed relaxing outside in the sun and gardening. And she also loved singing nursery rhymes and dancing with her great-grandson, Elliot. Above all, Vandella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and mentor to all who knew her and was the crown “jewel” of the Gould family.
She was predeceased by her siblings Joyce Gould, Edgar Gould, Rev. Hubert Gould Jr., and Janet Gilbert. Vandella is survived by her children, Rev. Nathan S. Dunn Sr. (Elsie) of Penns Grove, NJ, and Debra Dunn Pierce (Michael Pierce) of Newton, MA; her loving grandchildren Ashley Jones-Pierce (Zachary Sullivan), Taylor Pierce, Micaela Pierce, Catherine Crosell (Edwin Crosell), Vandella Cross (Brian Cross), Stephen Comer, Nathan S. Dunn Jr., Jayson N. Dunn; as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and God children.
For over a decade, Vandella and Nate were supported and mutually loved by many homecare assistants, notably Sylvia Swain, Tracy Dobosz, Jacqui Arnold, and Reggie Williams, who became family and whose care and affection greatly made their lives more comfortable.
Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services for Vandella Dunn on Saturday October 26, which will take place at the Kings Memorial Church located on 577 East Commerce St, Bridgeton, NJ. A visitation period will be held from 11AM- 12PM with funeral services and internment following. Vandella will be laid to rest next to her loving husband at the Gouldtown Memorial Park.
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