Carol E. Dunn

As we continue with the very worst this year has to offer, on November 12, 2020 the world lost one of the most determined and courageous advocates for women’s rights when Carol Elizabeth Dunn of Toledo, OH passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was 78 years old. Carol was an impassioned advocate for a woman’s right to choose and a determined activist for animal rights, progressive politics and community revitalization. Carol was born in Canton, Ohio on December 10, 1941 to Signe and William Dunn. A graduate of Jackson High School, Massillon, OH.  She attended Bowling Green State University and was a resident of the Historic Old West End for over 40 years. Throughout her life, Carol worked for Owens Illinois (O-I), Goodyear and National Flight Services Inc. Most notably, she became an assistant to prominent Ohio politician, Senator Frazer Reams, Jr. in the mid-sixties, as he formed Reams Broadcasting Corporation. Following that, she became a media buyer for Savage Communications, then finally, an employment consultant for Ott & Forni, personnel specialists. After volunteering at Planned Parenthood from 1973-1973, an organization that she believed meaningfully addressed her concerns for overpopulation, Carol shifted her focus to reproductive justice and became a board member of several Northwest Ohio organizations that would eventually merge to become Planned Parenthood Ohio. The Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1973 made access to a safe and legal abortions a constitutional right. The landmark decision also laid the foundation for Carol Dunn’s legacy as an abortion-care provider. Carol managed Toledo medical services for several years before starting her own abortion clinic, The Center for Choice, in 1983. The Center for Choice provided caring, non-judgmental, clinically safe and legal expertise for women who chose to end unwanted pregnancy. Carol nurtured a culture in which staff clung to one another like family and humbly offered dignity to women as they faced one of the most fraught decisions of their lives. In her later years, Carol also became a champion for animal rights issues. She tirelessly supported initiatives to regulate animal population through increased education and when needed, financial support for spay and neutering. She was one of the original members of Planned Pethood, a pet adoption agency, and for seven years, chaired the organizations board. Carol always found a way to center joy in her activism and advocacy. She had a social appreciation for celebration, music and fun with friends and extended family. Her undeniable joie de vivre and loving sensibilities could be felt by all, but were especially shared with her beloved partner, fellow advocate, traveling companion, closest friend and husband, Brian Smith, who passed away in 2002. Those that knew her will also fondly remember her as an unapologetic, utterly unforgettable accessories zealot. She approached life, and her work, with a style that was entirely her own. Carol was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Russell Smith along with many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the Smith family. She also leaves behind an extensive chosen family, most importantly her friend, caregiver and original sister in bra-burning, Carol Cribbs, along with her cats, Honey Bun, Oggie, Nickster, Annie and her beloved dog, Otis. Her loss will be felt deeply by the innumerable amount of women she inspired, encouraged and supported. But her legacy will most certainly live on through those that continue the thankless work of securing and advancing reproductive rights, women’s equality and animal rescue. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be planned in the spring when friends can gather outdoors and enjoy good music, a glass of wine, and exchange stories of friendship and gained wisdom from our inimitable friend, Carol Dunn. Donations in Carol’s memory can be made to: Planned Pethood - www.plannedpethood.org Agnes Reynolds Jackson Fund - www.aggiefund.org Read for Literacy – www.readforliteracy.org Old West End Association – www.toledooldwestend.com