Longtime Palisadian Lois Ann Dunne passed away October 23. A bright and wonderful woman who was dedicated to her family, friends and Catholic faith fought a courageous battle against cancer.
Lois was born on January 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to parents Ann and Louis Manza. She grew up in Towson, Maryland.
After receiving her BA in English from Goucher College she left for NYC to begin her career. There she met her husband, Allen Dunne, on a blind date.
Early in their marriage, the couple moved to the West Coast and settled down in Pacific Palisades. It was here where they raised their two boys, Tony and Stephen, and became part of the Corpus Christi community.
After many years as a stay-at-home mom, Lois re-entered the work force. She worked in the Gerontology Department at USC, was a fundraiser for St. Anne’s Family Services, then later settled into a successful career in planned giving for Mount St. Mary’s University.
Lois was an avid reader and was often at the Palisades Branch Library. Later in life she volunteered at the library and was a member of local book clubs.
She loved the theatre, often going to plays at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown LA. She was a longtime member of the Irene Dunne Guild at St. John’s Hospital. Lois also enjoyed knitting, especially doing projects for her grandchildren while listening to her favorite singer, Frank Sinatra.
Despite her health challenges later in life she never stopped moving forward, facing those challenges with grit and determination. Her star shall forever shine. She may rest now in peace with her husband Allen.
Lois is survived by her two sons Tony and Stephen (Lacey), her two grandchildren, brothers Lou and Stephen, and a sister Jane.
There will be a private family memorial service. Memorial contributions can be made to everychild
foundation.org.
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