Janet L. Dunkle

Janet Lynn Dunkle, age 66, was born on December 1, 1954. Janet was born in Wilmington, Delaware to her loving parents, Ina and Robert Mulford who preceded her in death.  A longtime resident of New Castle, Delaware, Janet passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

Janet was beloved by friends and family, including her devoted husband, Howard Dunkle, with whom she was dedicated in marriage for 41 years. Howard and Janet were steadfast and enthusiastic soulmates. 

Janet is also survived by her eldest son, Stephen Dunkle and his fiancée, Sandy of Crestline, California; her youngest son, Christopher Dunkle and his wife, Polina of Philadelphia Pennsylvania; her step-granddaughter, Caitlin of Seattle, Washington; her two cats, Skittles and Willow; her best friend, Chaundelle Miller, who was like a sister to Janet .  Along with her family, Janet heartened the lives of many friends both far and near.   Janet was loved and will be missed by those whose lives she touched. She was kind, caring and loving and will be remembered as an amazing person.

Janet started her career working at the A+P before shifting her passion to working with children at Educational Enrichment Center (EEC). From there, Janet dedicated many years volunteering and working for the Colonial School District where she eventually retired.  While working, she admirably balanced being both a loving wife and a nurturing mother.

In her free time, Janet loved to read, color and watch the neighborhood children. She was also a passionate animal lover and strong advocate for animal rights. She was devoted to the care of her cats, which included strays that simply needed a second chance. Janet created an animal sanctuary in her yard so the neighborhood wildlife would have a safe place to live and flourish. 

Out of an abundance of caution surrounding COVID-19, there will be no formal services at this time.  After COVID restrictions have lifted, the family may host a small service but scheduling is unknown at this time. Please feel free to reach out to the family if you would like to connect with the family, reminisce about Janet or if you have memories or stories you would like to share.  You can reach out to the family through email; JanetDunkleMemorial@gmail.com.  Also, please let the family know if you would like to be notified of any future services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to:Forgotten Cats Inc, Suite 422, 4023 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE, 19807;  St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.328.2312

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet L. Dunkle, please visit our floral store.