Alice Elizabeth Dunwody's Obituary
Alice Elizabeth Goater Dunwody, 98, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, in Orange, Virginia.
Born on November 27, 1926, to the late John and Mary Goater, Alice lived a long and beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and determination. She was preceded in death by her husband, William McIntosh Dunwody II; her brother, John C. Goater II; her son, John R. Dunwody; and her grandson, Newton B. Carskadon III “Tucker”. She is survived by her sister, Sarah G. Conner; her sons, William M. Dunwody III (Joan), James L. Dunwody, and David G. Dunwody (Norma); six grandchildren—Sasha, Ashley, Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, and John—and four great-grandchildren—Ashley, Connor, Isla, and Nolan.
Alice attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) and began her career with the U.S. Map Service in Washington D.C., during World War II. Later, she joined DuPont & Company, where she worked for many years before retiring in 1991.
Alice was feisty, strong, and endlessly loving—a woman of grit and grace who met every challenge life sent her way without ever losing her spark. She loved her family deeply—especially her four boys—and nothing made her happier than being surrounded by the people she loved. As her family grew, so did her heart. Her home was the gathering place, always alive with laughter, stories, and the comforting hum of belonging. She was the steady hand, the guiding voice, and the warm embrace that held everyone together.
Alice had a zest for life that never dimmed. She found peace and joy in her garden, wonder and delight in nature, and excitement in travel. She was always ready for an adventure, whether it was a new destination or a new game of backgammon or mahjong. Alice had a competitive streak a mile wide and loved to win—but even more, she loved the laughter and connection that came with every match.
She also had a deep love of learning. Alice was rarely without a book nearby, always eager to dive into a new story or discover something new about the world. She never missed an episode of Jeopardy! with Alex Trebek—cheering on contestants, shouting out answers, and keeping her mind as sharp as ever. Her curiosity, intelligence, and love of knowledge were just as much a part of her as her warmth and humor.
Alice had a gift of making everyone feel welcome, seen, and loved. Her warmth, wit, and radiant spirit left a mark on every life she touched. What made her truly remarkable was her light—the way she faced every season of life with courage, humor, and unshakable positivity. Even when times were hard, she chose joy. She chose to laugh. She chose to love deeply and without reservation.
She will be remembered as a woman who lived fully, loved fiercely, and faced life with a twinkle in her eye and a smile that never faded.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel in Culpeper, Virginia. The family invites those unable to attend to watch via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2MjUzMTczNzM4Nzg5NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Interment will follow on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Her family takes comfort in knowing her spirit—vibrant, joyful, and unstoppable—lives on in all who knew her. May she rest peacefully, knowing she gave us everything we need to carry her light forward.
What’s your fondest memory of Alice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alice?
Share a story where Alice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alice you’ll never forget.
How did Alice make you smile?