2024 Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade

Grand Marshal Cora Dunning

Cora Whelan Dunning has been selected at the 2024 Grand Marshal of the Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Cora emigrated to the United States in 1958 and immediately joined the Irish American Home Society, then located in Hartford. Cora worked at Sage Allen and First National Bakery before earning her real estate license and becoming a well-respected realtor in Glastonbury and surrounding communities. Cora gave 35 years of service to the Glastonbury Auxiliary of Child and Family Services, one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes and an array of support systems for children and adults in Greater Hartford. Cora was awarded a gold pin in recognition of her service. Cora served as President of the Irish American Home Society in 1988, in addition to serving the society in a variety of positions in the years prior. Cora volunteered at the Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival, the Hartford Feis and lent her culinary talents to a variety of events over the years. Cora has always been willing to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed. Cora and her husband of 60 years, Albert raised their son and daughter in Glastonbury and are the proud grandparents of three beautiful granddaughters.