Carol Ann Dunford

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, April 4, 1972
Date of Death:
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Age:
47 years old

Memorial Gathering

Date: Friday July 05, 2019
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Grandview Memorial Gardens [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, April 4, 1972
Date of Death:
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Age:
47 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, April 4, 1972
Date of Death:
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Age:
47 years old

Carol Ann Dunford

Carol Ann Dunford, 47, passed away on June 26, 2019 in her home after a tough and courageous battle with cancer.

Carol was born in Rochester to Russell and Becky Dunford on April 4, 1972. Carol was the baby in the family by a mere six minutes, but it counted. Even coming into this world, she let her twin sister, Kelli, go first. But that’s the thing about Carol, she was always putting her family first, assuring their safe keeping. Carol had a spark about her with a smile that beamed like the stars.  She was funny, witty and smart. Her laughter was infectious. Carol was a bona fide home decorator. She had the tidiest place, right down to the garage floor. She loved playing with color; painting her bathroom wall on a whim. She was so proud of her home and it showed. Carol was a lover of Disney movies, anything with Brendan Fraser, and cheered the loudest for her team, the Minnesota Wild. Carol was always up for an adventure. Every year she looked forward to loading up the family and heading out to the Dells. She loved pedicure parties with her ladies and 80’s jams – for a number of years she had the hair to prove it. She stayed true to herself from the moment she came into the world to the moment she left. Carol’s legacy continues on with the two she treasured most, daughter, Rachel and son, Ryan. From earth to sky she will love you forever.

Carol graduated from Mayo High School in 1990. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Winona State University, but her talent for computing numbers brought her to IBM and Celestica (1993-2003) and later to Pemstar/Benchmark where she worked as a configuration analyst (2005-2018).

She was preceded in death by her two proud and adoring parents in 2018, and her beloved dogs, Spencer, Cody, Callie and Bryce.

Carol is survived by the children she cherished, Rachel and Ryan Liebenow of Rochester; her soulmate and bonded twin sister, Kelli Yennie of Rochester; her loving older sisters, Martie (Dan) Whiting of Rochester and Julie (Bob) Wagner of Oronoco; her fiercely protective brother, Thomas (Hollie) Dunford of Rochester; second daughter, Brooke Yennie of Rochester; the love of her life, Erin Ryan of Rochester; many admired nieces and nephews, and closely kept friends.

Carol imprinted her heart onto those that were lucky enough to receive it. Even though she is gone far too soon, we are so thankful for the memories we get to keep close. The family would like to thank Season’s Hospice, and Carol’s sidekicks, Shannon, Gina and Cheryl, for being there to support her during this time.

Visitation for Carol will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2019 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. A private family burial service will be held separately.

Condolences

The family of Carol Ann Dunford has received the following condolences.

 


I was blessed with the opportunity to work with Carol for over 13 years in the Change Analyst position.  For most of that time we worked on the same program and I always appreciated her professionalism, commitment to quality, proficiency and knowledge. Carol was always cheerful, pleasant and kind to everyone, I enjoyed working with her and miss her very much.


 

Our Condolences to Carol's Family & Erin Ryan. Remember all the Good Times!

we are so sorry for the loss in your family 


we loved her .our prayers for your family and everybody’s she touch .we will miss her . 

I have so many great memories of Carol and her family. We went to Winona State University together for Elementary Education and later on a Carnival Cruise to Key West and Mexico to celebrate our graduation. We worked together at Buddy Squirrel and went to a few Mustang hockey games. I thought I was good at 80's music, but she had me beat. We had fun going to 80's nights to dance. 


As often happens, getting married and having children makes staying in touch difficult. I saw Carol last at Menards when her daughter was maybe 1 1\2 years old and we had a nice visit. It is so hard to imagine someone so energetic and full of life passing away at such a young age. I was shocked, actually.


My thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially her children. Peace and blessings.


Debbie (Pearson) Valioukevitch

I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Carol.  So young and it sounded like she was full of life.  The last time I saw the twins was when they were teens - lively, joking around and fun/funny.  My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time.  Cherish the memories and celebrate her life!  Sounded like she lived her life to the fullest every day.  Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.  God bless!  


Mary

kellie I just want to say I can't imagine what you are going through, just want you to know i am thinking of you, being a twin this has to be so difficult for you. love katie

I am so sorry to hear about Carol,the only blessing is she is not suffering anymore,she was so funny, loving and just great to be around. Carol always cared about everyone else and wanted to be there for them. I remember all the fun times when she would come down to Money Creek so many good memories. thinking of you all at this time.

Rae and I live next door to Carol and you couldn't find a better neighbor. Her yard was spotless and one of the first things I remember about her is her coming home from work and using a leaf blower to clear the driveway of any debris! Always a pleasant conversation over the backyard fence. Our sincere condolences to her family and loves ones. She touched many lives that remain anonymous. Blessed is her memory.

I am very sorry to hear of Carol's passing, thoughts and prayer to her family and children.

Kelli and family,


My deepest sympathy for having to say goodbye to Carol...so young....so happy to have connected on social media with her and follow her life.


Many fond memories at Money Creek with the Rochester twin sisters, clothes, boys, and Carmex. Carol was grounded, loving, and so genuine. What a blessing she was to so many.

So sorry for you loss, I helped train Carol at work and got to know her pretty good helping her around her house, she will be truly missed.