Patricia L. Dunning, 82, of Belmont, died on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in her home. She was born on March 12, 1943, in North Tonawanda, the daughter of the late David and Mildred (McNamara) Nelson. On November 27, 1985, she married David F. Dunning, who predeceased her on October 4, 2007.
Patty was raised in Tonawanda, graduating from Tonawanda Senior High School in 1961. Her calling was to nurture, focusing on raising her eight children. After they had grown, Patty and Dave became avid travelers, in addition to owning and operating the Mahogany Ridge of Scio. She was known to be a die-hard sports fan, anything from Tennis to Football, being an especially avid follower of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Yankees. She loved going to Bingo. Her nurturing nature didn’t end with her children, she adored animals: bird watching, feeding the stray cats in her neighborhood, and caring for her own two cats and brand-new dog, she loved nature and all the creatures in it.
She is survived by: five children, Sandra Boehnke of Rexville, Charles H. (Bobbi) Cain Jr. of Wellsville, Milissa (Joseph) Carmona of Wellsville, Timothy (Barbara) Cain of Bolivar, and Mary (Steve) VanEtten of Belmont; a daughter-in-law, wife of Daniel, Michele Cain of Bolivar; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, wife of David, Laura Nelson of Grand Island; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to the love of her life, David, she was predeceased by: two sons, Charles Boehnke and Daniel Cain; a daughter and her husband, Deborah and Theodore Shultz; three grandchildren, Patty Cain, Charles H. Cain III, and Thomas J. Shultz; and two brothers, David Nelson and Timothy Nelson.
Following Patty’s wishes, there are no services being planned at this time. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813.
To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .
