Laurene JoAnn Dunn

Laurene JoAnn Dunn, born July 15, 1952, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026 in her home, surrounded by the love of her family and the memories she created over a lifetime filled with laughter and music.

Laurene was a proud lifelong member of the Carlsbad community and shared her creative spirit through her involvement in the Carlsbad Art Association and the Carlsbad Pottery Association. She had a true gift for the arts and crafts of all kinds. Whether she was shaping clay into pottery, painting something beautiful, or filling a room with music from her guitar or piano, Laurene created joy wherever she went. She loved singing folk songs and listening to all kinds of music, and some of her happiest moments were spent singing and dancing with others—from her early childhood all the way through her later years.

Above all else, Laurene loved her family. She deeply cherished her husband of 46 years, William Dunn, and loved her children more than anything in this world. Being a wife, mother, and Mammaw was the center of her life, and she poured her heart into caring for and supporting those she loved. Her family was her greatest pride and her greatest joy.

Laurene also shared many special adventures with her husband and brothers, especially on hunting trips that became the source of countless stories and laughter over the years. She enjoyed traveling and especially treasured her beach trips with her family and grandchildren—moments filled with sunshine, laughter, and togetherness that will live on in their hearts forever. She had a personality that could light up any room. Laurene could talk the ear off anyone she met and had a remarkable ability to make friends with just about any stranger she crossed paths with. Her warmth, humor, and generous spirit made people feel welcome and loved.

Laurene was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Franklin Sisk and Laura Cranford Sargent; her brothers, Charles, Frankie, and Harold Sisk; her son, Lonnie Dunn; and her grandson, Connor Dunn.

She is survived by her loving husband, William Dunn; her brother, Benjamin Sisk and his wife Sue; her children, Tonya Burdine; Charlotte Neher and her husband Daryl; Jo Dunn and her wife Natalie;  Loren Dunn and his wife Kim; also by her cherished grandchildren: Verity Burdine, Austin Atencio, Braxton Sisk, Ryder Sisk, Audrey Dunn, Thea Dunn, Corbin Dunn, Kessa Fullerton and her husband Austin, and Lonnie Charay Dunn Lewis.

Laurene will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, Mammaw, and sister whose love, creativity, laughter, and stories will live on through the many lives she touched. Her legacy is one of devotion to family, joy in simple moments, and a heart big enough to welcome everyone.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Friday, April 3, 2026 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Vance Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Her family finds comfort in knowing that her song continues in the hearts of those who loved her.

Should friends desire to make memorial contribution they may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast Cancer Foundation | Susan G. Komen®

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com