Barbara Dunn Stuke

Barbara Dunn Stuke, 77, formerly of Portland, CT, Westerly, RI, and Sebastian, FL passed away on October 3rd, 2014 with her family at her side after a long, brave battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Ken Stuke for 56 years and together raised four children; Debbie (Nicholas) Deseno of Ramona, CA, Doug (Kathy) Stuke of Prospect, CT, Paul Stuke of New Kent, VA and Donna (Tom) LaBella of Portland, CT. The center of Barbara’s world was her family. She loved to spend time and share smiles with each of her wonderful grandchildren; Nigel and Meaghan Stuke, Matthew, Jordan and Nicole Deseno, and Joshua and Jason LaBella. Barb and Ken spent many years of their lives traveling, relaxing and spending time together with her sister and best friend Ann St. Amand and her husband Paul St. Amand of Sebastian, FL. She is also survived by Ellen (Sis) Pelles of Tolland, CT and Disa Dunn of Las Vegas, NV as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings Mae Bartek, Edward Dunn and Terrance Dunn. Mrs. Stuke was a deeply caring soul that would shine a light on all that got to know her. After graduating from St. Francis School of Nursing, Hartford, CT, Barb’s career as a registered nurse spanned over four decades. The majority of years were working at Middlesex Memorial Hospital in Middletown, CT. She was blessed to make many life-long friends while there, including Shelly Randazzo and Kay Muscatello. Barb was one of the founders of the Middlesex Area Patient Services organization created to serve individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. After retiring, Barb and Ken traveled the world, enjoying time visiting family and friends and relaxing at the beach. Barb and Ken found many wonderful, new friends and became active community members in Sebastian Florida’s Park Place Community. Barb cherished many hours of companionship and support with her dear friend Joy Fisher. Barb’s life serves as an example of the power of unconditional love. There will be a calling hour from 10:00-11:00 on Saturday October 11, 2014 at St. Mary’s Church, 51 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT 06480 immediately followed by a funeral mass. A reception celebrating Barb’s life will be held in the church hall after the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Home Hospice Care of Rhode Island (www.hhcri.org), Middlesex Memorial Hospice Unit, Dept. of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent St. Middletown, CT 06457, or VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.