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1964
2015
ABERWALD, DVM,
Dr. Dawn Michelle
Sept. 24, 1964 - July 25, 2015
Dawn was born in Orlando, Florida on September 24, 1964, and passed away peacefully in West Palm Beach on Saturday July 25, 2015 with family at her side, after a 2 ½ year battle with breast cancer.
She attended St. Andrew Catholic School graduating in 1978 where she was awarded the Knights of Columbus award for Excellence in Academic Achievement. Dawn was a member of both the St. Andrew swim team and Robinswood Recreation Center Dolphins.
Dawn attended Bishop Moore High School and was a member of National Honor Society, and graduated Valedictorian, class of 1982. Dawn also received class awards for top student in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. While at Bishop Moore she was also statistician for the Basketball team, a Tutor, member of the Latin Club and Tri-Hi-Y.
Dawn graduated cum laude from Texas A&M earning her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science and a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. After working in Texas for several years, she moved back to Florida where she practiced in West Palm Beach for 22 years. She was the 2003 Rose Hicks Volunteer of the Year for the Florida Marlins Community Foundation (FMCF).
She was a loving and compassionate veterinarian, confirmed by the fact that many of her clients, co-workers, and FMCF members also became lifelong friends. When she wasn't working with animals, she was spending time with family and friends, attending rock concerts and visiting Disney World where she worked during college in Fantasyland Merchandise. She was a true Disneyphile enjoying the resorts, parks and cruise ships.
Just like her mother and younger sister Sara, Dawn was a lifetime baseball fan and enjoyed cheering on the Florida Marlins, the team she adopted after moving to West Palm Beach. This was a minor point of contention with her mother and sister who were lifelong Cub fans. Dawn enjoyed spending time with her cats, Nicodemus, Francis and Stormy and what became her extended family in WPB.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred "Jamie" Aberwald. She is survived by her father, William James (Jim) Aberwald, brother Mark Aberwald, four sisters Dana (Fred) Clark, Leslie (Mark) Heuser, Wendy (Bret) Aitchison, and Sara Aberwald, two nieces Meghan and Colleen Heuser, and nephew, James Heuser.
Dawn will be missed by her family, extended WPB family and friends, co-workers and all who met her.
Services will be held at 12:00 pm on August 15th at
Banfield Funeral Home
420 West State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Phone: (407) 327-1500
A memorial service will be held in West Palm Beach at a date TBD
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue
3200 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach FL 33409
561-686-3663 www.peggyadams.org
To express condolences and/or make donations: Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Banfield Funeral Home.
I just feel terrrible. I was looking her up to get back in touch. We worked together in Fantasyland and she would come and spend time with me at my house. I have great memories of us floating in the pool and laughing. She cross stitched a xmas stocking for my daughter when she was born, so we talk about her every year and I swear i am going to get back in touch. I have been battling Deep Depressive Disorder and have lost touch with all of my friends. I am finally a little better and Dawn was the first person I looked up. I really do miss her and think of her often. I will never forget her. Claudine
Claudine Lees-Schaal
Friend
October 20, 2023
I will never forget how compassionate she was with my Portugese Water Dog Bambi in his last minutes She was a great loss to all of her clients
Roberta OGRADY
Friend
July 26, 2023
Lovely lady and wonderful vet. I miss seeing her and having her care for my animals. Love and prayers.
Denise Roth
Acquaintance
July 27, 2020
I will never forget her! She sat with me on the floor when I was saying goodbye to my Portugese Waterdig Bambi
Bertie OGRADY
Friend
July 26, 2020
My sympathy to the family.May Almighty God give you the strength to endure until his promises are fulfilled.Isaiah 35:5,6
April 5, 2018
Valenda Newell
October 8, 2016
I have just learned of Dr Aberwalds passing. There was simply no better vet on the planet and as a person Dawn was exceptional in so many ways I am heart sick but so thankful I got to know her and was lucky to have her as a vet for my pets.
Heidi Werber
July 2, 2016
My family learned today of Dr. Aberwald's passing and were very sadden by the news. Our family has had the true pleasure of having her treat many of our animals and found her to be a superb vet. We know she is in heaven surrounded by countless furry friends. Rest In Peace Dr. You made a difference during your time.
February 18, 2016
So sorry to hear of loss. During this time there will be tears, but please keep in mind that even Jesus gave way to tears when someone he loved died. this occasion was recorded in the Bible at John 11:35.
From one who has experienced such grief, I offer my sympathy.
August 24, 2015
Dearest family of Dawn, our one and only "Dr. A" We were so saddened to hear of Dawn's passing and we send you all our deepest sympathies upon losing such a wonderful person as Dawn. We met Dawn through our beloved yellow Labrador, Maximus. She was his vet for around ten years. Nobody could diagnose Maximus' problems better than Dr. A. He couldn't speak to her, but she always knew what was wrong and how to fix it. We were always grateful that he was in her superb care, and she and Maximus adored each other. He is now 14 and last year when he had his spleen removed, she sent him a card with the words : "Dear Maximus, hope this brightens your day, feel better soon. I was sorry to hear about your recent surgery. Your friend, Dr. A." This, when she was fighting her own battle so bravely, but she always had time for Maximus. We all became close friends and we loved being with her. She and I were the same age, and we chatted about everything in our heads...especially English things, as I am English and she always wanted to go there...and my husband and she shared stories of baseball, which they both got very animated about. When Maximus stayed at Barkers Hotel, she would go and visit him and take photos of him to send to us so that we knew he was doing well. It is with a heavy heart that we learnt that she has passed away. She battled so hard and kept so cheerful and everyone was fighting alongside her. All her colleagues, who were also her closest friends, all her animals who simply adored her, and us. We know how much she loved her family, whom she talked about with so much affection. We know how much she loved her cats, and I hope someone special is looking after them now. We wish we could be at the funeral service. Alas, or perhaps befittingly, we have to stay at home and look after Maximus, who needs extra special care as he is almost 100 in human years (thanks Dr. A., that's all down to your loving care that he made it this long). In the words of Maximus' namesake, General Maximus Decimus Meridius: What we do in this life echoes in eternity. And as such, Dawn has earned a beautiful place in heaven. We love you, Dawn. And we will see you again. Love, Kerry, JT and Maximus Kuhlman
Kerry, JT and Maximus Kuhlman
August 18, 2015
My sympathy to the Aberwald family may you find comfort in knowing that other's are wishing you well. Jeremiah 29:11 mention,God has a hope for the future
August 17, 2015
In loving memory of a loving person, God Bless you Dr.Dawn Aberwald.
Michaela GT, Italy.
Michaela GT
August 15, 2015
August 14, 2015
August 14, 2015
C L
August 12, 2015
My sincere condolences to Dawn's family, friends, and clients. She was obviously a very intelligent person, but in Vet School she was never boastful or competetive. Dawn had a calm and compassionate spirit. I am grateful to have know her.
Carol Weems Lind, DVM
August 10, 2015
Thoughts and prayers for Dr A's family and her many friends. She was always there for me and our "witch of a cat" Anna. I could always count her to help me through my time woking at Simmons.
Cindy (Osuna) Brown
August 8, 2015
It is very sobering to hear the news of Dawn's death as I was one of her veterinary school classmates, seems like a life cut short. I'm glad she lived to the fullest. My deepest sympathy goes out to her friends and family.
Suellen Van der Colff
August 6, 2015
I'm very sorry to hear of Dawn. I was a classmate thru vet school and always appreciated her. I hope you can find comfort in that a great number of people will remember her fondly.
Greg Maynard
August 6, 2015
My condolences to Dawn's family, friends and clients. I remember her from vet school as a kind and brilliant person. The world will be a grayer place without her.
Therese Norris
August 6, 2015
I was in vet school with Dawn, and even during the stress of long days and countless exams she created an oasis of serenity with her kind and gentle manner. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Jean Eye
August 6, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. May the most high God (Psalm 83:18) comfort you during this difficult time.
August 5, 2015
I went to vet school with Dawn. I remember her as kind and caring. She will be missed.
Delia Hejny
August 5, 2015
Sending prayers and hugs to Dawns family and friends!!! May Dawn rest in peace in Gods loving hands!!! God needed her loving soul! Soar with the Angels Dawn!!
Mary Precourt
August 5, 2015
She was a wonderful veterinarian and had a huge heart for people and pets alike. She will be sorely missed
Curtis Miller
August 4, 2015
Dawn was a caring and highly professional doctor.She introduced us to Simmons Vet and we have been clients ever since. She helped make the loss of our cat more manageable and tried in every way to save her.
Ilene DeRiso
August 4, 2015
Me, my husband and my cat will truly miss Dr. Aberwald. My two deceased cats that she took great care of will meet her at the Rainbow Bridge.
August 3, 2015
I was so shocked and sad to hear about Dr. Aberwald's passing. She took care of my animals for years and she was so compassionate. She will be missed! All my thoughts and prayers are with her entire family.
Allison Driscoll
August 3, 2015
I remember dawn from St.Andrews , my condolences to her family and I will keep you all in my prayers.
August 3, 2015
Dr Aberwald took care of my cat Joey for 12 years. She was a phenomenal vet! She not only cared for Joey, she cared for me too! On Joey's last day she consoled me and stayed with me. She was a truly a caring person. I am so grateful for having known her! My condolences to her family.
Mary Riordan-Rau
August 3, 2015
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of all comfort (Ps. 83:18) comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
August 3, 2015
My Puppies and I will miss Doctor -A- very much. Her expertise and compassion were exceptional. Dear Friend, 'til we meet at Rainbow Bridge, God Bless.
Christine Anzalone
August 3, 2015
Dawn was an outstanding doctor and compassionate person! She took wonderful care of several of our pets and even gave one of our cats an additional 6 years of life. Our prayers are with her family!
The Nugents
August 3, 2015
My sincere condolences at this time. May the words at John 16:22, bring solace at this very difficult moment.....Ruth in California.
August 3, 2015
I will miss Dawn very much. She sat on the floor and even shed a tear with me when we said goodbye to my Portugese Water Dog Bambi. I will never forget her compassion, her friendship, and her expertise.
Bertie O'Grady
August 3, 2015
To the Aberwald family for your loss. May the God of loving kindness comfort youu duri g this difficult time.
Psalms 94:19
August 2, 2015
Lyn Tate
August 2, 2015
We were very fortunate to have Dr. Dawn take care of our sweet Queen when she was a patient several years ago. I'm sure Dr. Dawn still had the video on her phone the day Queenie stared running around again to prove to me she turned for the better. A wonderful doctor and person and she will be missed. We are praying for your family to find peace.
Lyn Tate
August 2, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God during this sad time. "Draw close to God and he will draw close to you." (James 2:8)
August 2, 2015
Sending prayers of sympathy and peace to Dr. Dawn's family and friends. She was our vet for many, many years at Simmons. Our animals always loved to see her, as did we. God Bless.
Denise Roth
August 2, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Aberwald. She took care of my poodle, Bailey at Simmons Veterinary Clinic. She was so nice and compassionate. May your happy memories soothe you during this most difficult time.
Shirley Lange
August 1, 2015
My deepest sympathy to family and friends. Dawn was the icon of compassion. Such a wonderful gentle soul. Dawn, you will be deeply missed and I know you are already taking care of the creatures upstairs. Until we meet again!
Rhonda
Rhonda Sayle
August 1, 2015
Tammy Randall
August 1, 2015
My sympathies to the Aberwald and Heusers on the passing of Dawn. I have many fond memories of playing and attending school with all of the kids of both families, and will pray for the Holy Spirit to give you strength and peace as you live and love forward.
Kathy (Kremp) Padgett
August 1, 2015
I am deeply sorry for loss. I have found Thessalonians 4:13,14.
Dimitri Palmer
August 1, 2015
So sorry for the loss of Dawn, she will be missed greatly.
Dawn, say hi! to my crew up there. They all loved you very much for taking such great care of them.
We miss you - Sally & Janice
Janice Brinkman
August 1, 2015
So deeply sorry for your loss. May God's wonderful future promises console your hearts. (John 6:40)
Roberta Y
August 1, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the family for this great loss. There is a depth of compassion felt for you. The loving kindness of God can sustain you through this difficult time and in the days ahead. May you have a measure of comfort sharing the loving memories that are in your hearts.
Lewises
August 1, 2015
I'm sorry for the lost of your friend or family member. I would like to share some words of encouragement... In God's word the bible he tells us he will carry us through trialsome times. He will comfort us when we are experiencing a great test or we are in special need.
August 1, 2015
Lit lighter, Dawn is fully embraced in eternal peace and celebration of her legacy.
Christina
July 31, 2015
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