Frances Mae Dunkerly

Frances Mae “Fran” Dunkerly, 79, of Hermitage, formerly of Farrell, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, surrounded by her family at home.

Mrs. Dunkerly was born on March 15, 1947, in Rochester, PA, a daughter of the late Frank and Alma (Moore) Kochanowski. She graduated from the former Center High School, Center Twp. and earned her bachelor’s degree in English and speech from Slippery Rock University.

While attending college, she met her husband, James Dunkerly, whom she married on June 7, 1969. While he was in the military, she taught school in Hampton, VA, before taking a job at Hickory High School. When her children were older, she began working at Mercer County Head Start, where she served as the Union President.

Fran was the past president of the Farrell Kiwanians and the past secretary of the Thornton Woods Condo Association.

A talented artist, she enjoyed painting and for many years was a painting instructor. She also looked forward to cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and working on Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Following retirement, Fran, James and their son Jay annually spent time in Charleston and Seabrook Island, SC.

She is survived by her husband at home; two sons, Jay Dunkerly, of Hermitage, and Beau Dunkerly, of Hanover, PA; two grandsons, James and Jack Dunkerly; two sisters, Elaine Lebherz and her husband, Dan, of Cincinnati, OH; and Denise Schweinsberg, of Monaca, PA; and a brother-in-law, Ray Phillips, of Harbor Springs, MI.

In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by a sister, Gwen Phillips.

Fran’s family would like to thank Lindsey, Stacy and Destiny with AHN Hospice Group, for the exceptional care and compassion given to her.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to either Buhl Park, 715 Hazen Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or The Arc of Mercer County, 850 North Hermitage Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday (11/07/2026) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. on Saturday, in the funeral home, with Rev. Anthony Kladitis, officiating.