Laura Dunham

Laura Dunham, age 85 of Wayne, NJ passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Born in the town of Russia, New York, Laura was the second of two children to Elsie Simonsen. When Laura was just five years old, her mother, Elsie, passed away after a battle with cancer. She and her sister Ann went to live with their aunt Esther in Cedar Grove, NJ, where they were lovingly raised. Laura attended Cedar Grove Public Schools before graduating from Bloomfield High School. Her pursuit of education continued at Houghton College in Houghton, NY, and she later earned her master's degree from Montana State University at Missoula, with additional coursework at Montclair State University and William Paterson University.

Music was Laura's lifelong passion. From an early age, she learned to play several instruments including the piano, organ, and cello. Her love for music led her to a rewarding career teaching music to others. Beginning in 1963, Laura taught private music lessons and shared her talents with numerous schools and churches throughout New Jersey. She held positions at several congregations, including Second Reformed Church in Little Falls, Calvary Baptist Church in Clifton, and Grace Church in Clifton, serving in roles such as choir director, organist, accompanist and even handbell director. Her musical excellence also led her to Carnegie Hall, where she had the honor of performing on the cello.

Beyond music, Laura expressed her creativity through handmade quilts and crocheted pieces. Known for her generosity, she worked tirelessly to create quilts as Christmas gifts and crocheted crosses for Easter, ensuring each friend and family member received something made with love.

Over the years, she cherished many beloved pets: Penny, a sassy Siberian Husky; Max, a beautiful Golden Retriever; and Teddy, an English Golden Retriever with whom she'd share burgers at Burger King (Teddy had a slight weight problem). She also adored her cats Hansel and Gretel, and most recently, Pumpkin.

Laura treasured her relationships, especially shopping trips with her sister Ann and the adventures she shared with her neighbor Judy exploring fun restaurants and stores together.

When Laura began as the choir director at Calvary Baptist Church in Clifton, she quickly caught the attention of a man named James Hiram Dunham, Jr (Jim).   Laura’s new role inspired Jim to join the choir – something he never had participated in before.  Laura and Jim fell in love quickly and the two were married in November of 1974. In September of 1975, the couple were blessed with their son James, III (also Jim).

Laura loved being a mom and she made it a point to be there for every boy scout event Jim participated in and every marching band performance he performed. When Jim and his wife Jennifer welcomed their two children, Kate and Jack, Laura’s heart grew even fuller. She absolutely adored being a grandmother—her pride in them was boundless. She wanted to be there for everything, from music recitals and sports games to cheerleading performances, cheering them on with joy and excitement. Talking about Kate and Jack always brought a sparkle to her eyes; they were truly the light of her life.

Laura will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, a gifted musician and artist, and a kind soul who was deeply sensitive to others. 

Laura is survived by her son, James Dunham III, and his wife, Jennifer; her cherished grandchildren, Kate and Jack; and her beloved cat, Pumpkin. She was predeceased by her husband, James Dunham Jr.; her sister, Ann; her aunt, Esther; and her mother, Elsie.

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Clifton Public Library or the Wayne Animal Shelter.