CousinsConnection
Building a Family Tree for all variations of
Kitces, Keces, Keses, Kitzes, Ketzis, Kitzis, Kicis, Kitsis, Chitis, and Кицис
As well as
Charest, Pearson, Gordon, Westheimer, Greenwald, Simon, Rohr, Dunsky

Dunson, Ethel Jane

Female 1916 - Abt 2019  (102 years)


Personal Information    |    Notes    |    Sources    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name Dunson, Ethel Jane  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
    Born 23 May 1916  Newport, Campbell, Kentucky, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11
    Gender Female 
    Residence 1920  Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Residence 1930  Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    Residence 1993  Cherry Hill, Camden, New Jersey, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    Died Abt 25 Apr 2019  New Jersey, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [12
    Person ID I18095  Our Family | All Descendants of Hirsz Dunsky (I6345)
    Last Modified 16 Jan 2024 

    Father Dunsky, Isidore,   b. 7 Nov 1889, Golynka, Grodno, Belarus Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1 Apr 1956, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 66 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Mother Brown, Jeannette,   b. 3 Jul 1893, Russia Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Abt 15 Sep 1975, Cherry Hill, Camden, New Jersey, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 82 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Married 7 Jun 1914  Newport, Campbell, Kentucky, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [13, 14, 15, 16, 17
    Divorced Bef 1940  [18, 19
    Family ID F6680  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family David, Leopold Seymour,   b. 16 Apr 1906, Camden County, New Jersey, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 Dec 1978, Camden County, New Jersey, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 72 years) 
    Married 31 May 1937  Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [20, 21, 22, 23
    Children 
    +1. David, Henry Edward
    +2. David, William Samuel
    +3. David, Joseph Harris
     4. David, Charles Sidney
    Last Modified 16 Jan 2024 
    Family ID F6642  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • still living may 2016
      Ethel J. David

      Voorhees - Ethel J. (nee Dunson) David, 102 years old was a volunteer extraordinaire, a motivational speaker, a wife, mother, grandmother and a friend of many. She worked from the age of 70 to 94 as a Weight Watchers leader and lecturer and volunteered for over 25 years as a docent at the Penn Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology- something she also gave up at 94.

      Though she retired from those activities, she didn't retire from life. She continued to write poetry and was working on a third book, Sweet Grapes For a Sour Puss, which included a number of her "yo-yo poems." She previously published My Lover the Rabbi, My Husband the Doctor: What more could a Jewish girl want? and Ethel J. David's Poet-Tree: A memoir in poetry, rhyme and wordplay.

      As her collaborator-writer-editor on the first two books, Cheryl Grady Mercier, says, "Though Ethel was born in Kentucky and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was a true daughter of Camden, NJ and its surrounding county. Ethel felt her life story had value as a witness to history and that was the impetus for her first book."

      In her lifetime, David was an inveterate traveler… of the world, but also her home town, home state and home county. Tilly Spetgang of the Cherry Hill News once said, "Ethel can make a day trip to Camden sound exciting" in a 1971 story about a Galapagos Islands trip.

      She worked to change the world as a volunteer, starting with youth groups, teaching youngsters in the Camden Beth El Synagogue in the 1930s. She presented book reviews to many organizations, encouraging dialogue on many issues. Over time she was the first Jewish president of the Camden County Medical Society Auxiliary and a guide for the Philadelphia Council for International Visitors, precursor to Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia. She not only gave 40 years of service to the Lions Gate Auxiliary in New Jersey; she was the founding president of then-named Jewish Geriatric Auxiliary which she preceded the Lions Gate name. After living independently until age 95, she moved into Lions Gate. She continued to volunteer there: leading discussions, recruiting speakers and was awarded "Resident of the Year" less than two years after she moved in.

      David even wrote this to be included in her obituary:

      I cannot control my wishes from the grave, but if I could, I would say the following:

      I leave a legacy of three books, deeds accomplished, material wealth--nil, yet I received more than I gave.

      I was lucky- I died disease-free, pain-free, surrounded by my faithful friends, few family, but grateful to all.

      I remain thankful to my husband, parents, in-laws, and all who supported me. My faith, my synagogue, my community did not let me down.

      A "Happy Death"- yes, Cheryl, I think I know what you mean.

      As ever,

      Ethel J. David

      Ethel J. David is survived by: Loving grandchildren Sarah J. and Jonah-both attentive to the end-Charles, Ari, Tali and Rebecca David. Her close friends and compatriots, Ida Mae Robinson, Don and Maxine Dubin, niece Joan (Harvey) Levitan and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and three great grandsons. Of her four sons: Harris, Henry, Chucky and Bill, only Henry and Bill survive her. She was also preceded in death by many relatives, in-laws and dear friends.

      Relatives and friends are invited Sunday beginning 9:30 am to

      PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS, INC.

      2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ

      where funeral services will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Int. New Camden Cemetery, Camden, NJ.
      Published in Courier-Post on Apr. 26, 2019
      Ethel J. David

      Voorhees - Ethel J. (nee Dunson) David, 102 years old was a volunteer extraordinaire, a motivational speaker, a wife, mother, grandmother and a friend of many. She worked from the age of 70 to 94 as a Weight Watchers leader and lecturer and volunteered for over 25 years as a docent at the Penn Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology- something she also gave up at 94.

      Though she retired from those activities, she didn't retire from life. She continued to write poetry and was working on a third book, Sweet Grapes For a Sour Puss, which included a number of her "yo-yo poems." She previously published My Lover the Rabbi, My Husband the Doctor: What more could a Jewish girl want? and Ethel J. David's Poet-Tree: A memoir in poetry, rhyme and wordplay.

      As her collaborator-writer-editor on the first two books, Cheryl Grady Mercier, says, "Though Ethel was born in Kentucky and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was a true daughter of Camden, NJ and its surrounding county. Ethel felt her life story had value as a witness to history and that was the impetus for her first book."

      In her lifetime, David was an inveterate traveler… of the world, but also her home town, home state and home county. Tilly Spetgang of the Cherry Hill News once said, "Ethel can make a day trip to Camden sound exciting" in a 1971 story about a Galapagos Islands trip.

      She worked to change the world as a volunteer, starting with youth groups, teaching youngsters in the Camden Beth El Synagogue in the 1930s. She presented book reviews to many organizations, encouraging dialogue on many issues. Over time she was the first Jewish president of the Camden County Medical Society Auxiliary and a guide for the Philadelphia Council for International Visitors, precursor to Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia. She not only gave 40 years of service to the Lions Gate Auxiliary in New Jersey; she was the founding president of then-named Jewish Geriatric Auxiliary which she preceded the Lions Gate name. After living independently until age 95, she moved into Lions Gate. She continued to volunteer there: leading discussions, recruiting speakers and was awarded "Resident of the Year" less than two years after she moved in.

      David even wrote this to be included in her obituary:

      I cannot control my wishes from the grave, but if I could, I would say the following:

      I leave a legacy of three books, deeds accomplished, material wealth--nil, yet I received more than I gave.

      I was lucky- I died disease-free, pain-free, surrounded by my faithful friends, few family, but grateful to all.

      I remain thankful to my husband, parents, in-laws, and all who supported me. My faith, my synagogue, my community did not let me down.

      A "Happy Death"- yes, Cheryl, I think I know what you mean.

      As ever,

      Ethel J. David

      Ethel J. David is survived by: Loving grandchildren Sarah J. and Jonah-both attentive to the end-Charles, Ari, Tali and Rebecca David. Her close friends and compatriots, Ida Mae Robinson, Don and Maxine Dubin, niece Joan (Harvey) Levitan and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and three great grandsons. Of her four sons: Harris, Henry, Chucky and Bill, only Henry and Bill survive her. She was also preceded in death by many relatives, in-laws and dear friends.

      Relatives and friends are invited Sunday beginning 9:30 am to

      PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS, INC.

      2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ

      where funeral services will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Int. New Camden Cemetery, Camden, NJ.
      Published in Courier-Post on Apr. 26, 2019
      Ethel J. David

      Voorhees - Ethel J. (nee Dunson) David, 102 years old was a volunteer extraordinaire, a motivational speaker, a wife, mother, grandmother and a friend of many. She worked from the age of 70 to 94 as a Weight Watchers leader and lecturer and volunteered for over 25 years as a docent at the Penn Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology- something she also gave up at 94.

      Though she retired from those activities, she didn't retire from life. She continued to write poetry and was working on a third book, Sweet Grapes For a Sour Puss, which included a number of her "yo-yo poems." She previously published My Lover the Rabbi, My Husband the Doctor: What more could a Jewish girl want? and Ethel J. David's Poet-Tree: A memoir in poetry, rhyme and wordplay.

      As her collaborator-writer-editor on the first two books, Cheryl Grady Mercier, says, "Though Ethel was born in Kentucky and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was a true daughter of Camden, NJ and its surrounding county. Ethel felt her life story had value as a witness to history and that was the impetus for her first book."

      In her lifetime, David was an inveterate traveler… of the world, but also her home town, home state and home county. Tilly Spetgang of the Cherry Hill News once said, "Ethel can make a day trip to Camden sound exciting" in a 1971 story about a Galapagos Islands trip.

      She worked to change the world as a volunteer, starting with youth groups, teaching youngsters in the Camden Beth El Synagogue in the 1930s. She presented book reviews to many organizations, encouraging dialogue on many issues. Over time she was the first Jewish president of the Camden County Medical Society Auxiliary and a guide for the Philadelphia Council for International Visitors, precursor to Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia. She not only gave 40 years of service to the Lions Gate Auxiliary in New Jersey; she was the founding president of then-named Jewish Geriatric Auxiliary which she preceded the Lions Gate name. After living independently until age 95, she moved into Lions Gate. She continued to volunteer there: leading discussions, recruiting speakers and was awarded "Resident of the Year" less than two years after she moved in.

      David even wrote this to be included in her obituary:

      I cannot control my wishes from the grave, but if I could, I would say the following:

      I leave a legacy of three books, deeds accomplished, material wealth--nil, yet I received more than I gave.

      I was lucky- I died disease-free, pain-free, surrounded by my faithful friends, few family, but grateful to all.

      I remain thankful to my husband, parents, in-laws, and all who supported me. My faith, my synagogue, my community did not let me down.

      A "Happy Death"- yes, Cheryl, I think I know what you mean.

      As ever,

      Ethel J. David

      Ethel J. David is survived by: Loving grandchildren Sarah J. and Jonah-both attentive to the end-Charles, Ari, Tali and Rebecca David. Her close friends and compatriots, Ida Mae Robinson, Don and Maxine Dubin, niece Joan (Harvey) Levitan and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and three great grandsons. Of her four sons: Harris, Henry, Chucky and Bill, only Henry and Bill survive her. She was also preceded in death by many relatives, in-laws and dear friends.

      Relatives and friends are invited Sunday beginning 9:30 am to

      PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS, INC.

      2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ

      where funeral services will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Int. New Camden Cemetery, Camden, NJ.
      Published in Courier-Post on Apr. 26, 2019

  • Sources 
    1. [S527] 1920 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Rec;), Year: 1920; Census Place: Cincinnati Ward 13, Hamilton, Ohio; Roll: T625_1391; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 226; Image: 896.
      Birth date: abt 1917 Birth place: Ohio Residence date: 1920 Residence place: Cincinnati Ward 13, Hamilton, Ohio
      1920 United States Federal Census
      1920 United States Federal Census


    2. [S3018] Kentucky, Birth Index, 1911-1999, Ancestry.com, (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.Original data - Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Kentucky Birth, Marriage, and Death Databases: Births 1911-1999. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky Department for Libraries ;).
      Birth date: 23 May 1916 Birth place: Campbell, Kentucky

    3. [S591] U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1, Ancestry.com, (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.Original data - Voter Registration Lists, Public Record Filings, Historical Residential Records, and Other Household Database Listings.Original data: Voter Registration Lists, Public;).
      Birth date: 23 May 1916 Birth place: Residence date: 1993 Residence place: Cherry Hill, NJ

    4. [S3] U.S. Public Records Index, Ancestry.com, (Name: Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007;).

    5. [S988] My Lover The Rabbi, Ethel J. David (Reliability: 3).
      Middle Initial -- No middle name

    6. [S361] 1930 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626,;), Year: 1930; Census Place: Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio; Roll: 1811; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 486; Image: 835.0; FHL microfilm: 2341545.
      Birth date: abt 1917 Birth place: Kentucky Residence date: 1930 Residence place: Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio
      1930 United States Federal Census
      1930 United States Federal Census


    7. [S239] Original Import into Legacy.

    8. [S787] abrahamdunskyrelationship.FTW.
      Date of Import: Jan 3, 2003

    9. [S787] abrahamdunskyrelationship.FTW (Reliability: 3).
      Date of Import: Jan 3, 2003

    10. [S448] 1920 United States Federal Census (Reliability: 3).
      under Issadore Dunskey, age 3-9/12

    11. [S3019] Ethel David, book (Reliability: 3).

    12. [S15] Obituary.

    13. [S820] Kentucky Marriages, familysearch.org.

    14. [S206] Family Tree, Ancestry.com.

    15. [S2918] Kentucky, County Marriages, 1783-1965, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.;).
      Kentucky, County Marriages, 1783-1965
      Kentucky, County Marriages, 1783-1965


    16. [S206] Family Tree, Ancestry.com (Reliability: 3).

    17. [S4729] Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954, (Location: familysearch.org;).

    18. [S525] 1940 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 194;).

    19. [S195] 1940 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.;), Year: 1940; Census Place: Rochester, Monroe, New York; Roll: T627_2842; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 65-25.
      1940 United States Federal Census
      1940 United States Federal Census


    20. [S361] 1930 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626,;), Year: 1930; Census Place: Queens, Queens, New York; Roll: 1 605; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 439; Image: 101.0; FH L microfilm: 2341339.
      Birth date: abt 1910 Birth place: New York Residence date: 1930 Residence place: Queens, Queens, New York

    21. [S234] 1930 United States Federal Census.

    22. [S988] My Lover The Rabbi, Ethel J. David.

    23. [S988] My Lover The Rabbi, Ethel J. David.
      unsure of year