Courtney Dunckel

In memory of Carol DunckelSAU Sophomore

SAU sophomore Courtney Dunckel

A big, red, brick house, and swimming pool is where Courtney Dunckel spent her summers. Swim-ming, laughing, and making memories with one of her favorite people, her grandmother. Courtney remembers her grandma, Carol Dunckel, as an independent woman. She describes her as a loving, other-centered, funny woman. Her husband traveled for his job, so she ran the home. She was a stay at home mom, and “did everything,” recalls Courtney. “She was one of those people with not a lot of schooling, but with a lot of knowledge,” said Courtney. Carol occasionally struggled with skin cancer, but it was surgically removed, and easily dealt with. She was always back, and ready for the next big family gathering at the pool, or around the piano, singing songs after playing cards. In 2005, however, Carol moved to Florida, since her husband was retired, and they were ready for warmer weather. Courtney missed her grandmother, but was still in contact with her. While doing her homework one night, her mom answered a phone call, came into the room, and told them to start packing up their bags, because they are going to Florida to see Grandma who was very sick. Courtney, her parents, and her brother, left three days later. They were told that their grandma was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, and was not doing well. When they arrived at the hospital, Courtney saw her once lively grandmother reclined, with a ventilator hook up, and various IVs. “Seeing her lying there in bed was so weird, because she just looked so helpless. I was used to