Carlene Jane McCarthy Dunn

Carlene Jane McCarthy Dunn, 98, passed away peacefully at her home on December 16, 2025, with loving family gathered around her. Carlene was born May 28, 1927 in Atchison, Kansas, the fifth of six children to Jeremiah J. McCarthy and Adella Blanche Ruse McCarthy. Her siblings preceded her in death: Mary M. McCarthy Furtado, J. Ruse McCarthy, George D. McCarthy, Ann L. McCarthy Brown, and Geraldine B. McCarthy.

Carlene’s family moved to Wichita when she was one month old. She attended Mt. Carmel Day School, St. Joseph Grade School, and Cathedral High School, graduating in 1945.

Carlene met the handsome and intelligent Paul J. Dunn on a blind date at the Blue Moon Club. They were married June 14, 1951 at Blessed Sacrament Church, where both their families were parishioners. They had five children: Mari, Brian, Vicki, Patrice and Julie. She was a faithful member of the Church of the Magdalen for 73 years.

Besides being active in her children’s education and extracurricular activities, Carlene enjoyed gardening, cooking and playing bridge. She loved to travel, making a point to visit all fifty states, and especially enjoyed traveling internationally.

She was happiest in a garden, enjoying the flowers and birds. She was always interested and involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, offering support and encouragement. She was kind, generous, witty, and supremely reliable. She fed thousands of people during her lifetime and spread love and warmth to so many. Carlene had a vibrant life force within her until the very end.

Survivors include her children, Mari Dunn of Wichita, Brian (Louise) Dunn of Loveland, CO, Vicki (Bob) Farris of Allen, TX, Patrice (Tom) Hein of Howard, KS, and Julie (Chip) Madinger of O’Fallon, MO; sister-in-law, Mary Dunn Warren of Wichita; grandchildren Christina DiMattia, Connor, Riley and Bailey Dunn, Vanessa and Sam Farris, Zach, Nathan and Emily Hein; Alex Madinger and Maura Madinger Sax; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to offer thanks to all those who have provided comfort and support during this time and especially the wonderful caregivers from Good Shepherd Hospice.

Rosary will be at 9:30 am, Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Church of the Magdalen, 12626 E. 21st Street N., Wichita.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to: The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67214; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105; Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church, 12626 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67206.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.