WASKIEWICZ, Dawn M. Dawn M. Waskiewicz, 33, of Hampden Road, Stafford Springs, died Saturday, (October 16, 2004) at Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford Springs. She was born in New London, the daughter of Ronald W. Smith and Janet G. (Benoit) Alden. Dawn was a case services supervisor for 14 years at Allied Rehabilitation Centers, Inc. She was very devoted to her job, touching the lives of over 200 clients, and loved by her co-workers. She lived life to the fullest with her family and special friends on the mountain. Dawn is survived by her loving husband of 17 years Kevin D. Waskiewicz; her parents, Ronald W. Smith and Janet G. (Benoit) Alden; her paternal grandmother, Helen (Breau) Smith; her maternal grandmother, Constance (Benoit) Landers all of Stafford Springs; a brother, Marc J. Smith of Ellington; a sister, Lori L. Squiers of Blanford, MA; a nephew; two nieces; her father-in-law, Dan Waskiewicz and his wife, Diane of Ellington; her mother-in-law, Helene Vaulding and her husband, Richard; a sister-in-law, Kim Waskiewicz; a nephew, Keith Ricci all of Stafford Springs; a stepbrother-in-law, Jeff Schaller of Pennsylvania; and her two dogs, Shadow and Roscoe. A funeral service will be held Monday, October 18, at 3 p.m. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main Street, Stafford Springs, with Rev. Thomas Darling officiating. Burial will follow in Stafford Springs Cemetery, Stafford Springs. Calling hours are Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to The Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by anonymous.
Julie McKeon
October 7, 2005
Kevin,
I just wanted you to know that especially this time of year, I think about Dawn and how much of a special person she was. Both you & Dawn always made Joe & I feel so much part of the group at any "parties" that were held in Stafford, especially at 106 Hampden Road! I just want to take this moment with her memorial coming upon us so soon to let you know that you are in my heart and thoughts...Dawn is truly missed....Love, Julie McKeon
anonymous
June 28, 2005
Kevin,
You are soo very lucky to have had dawn as your wife. I loved dawn soo much, she was like my own mother, she treated me so well when ever I came over and visited. She was a great cook! She will be missed soo much. She was a one of a kind person and no one can ever replace her. I loved dawn, I am going to miss her smile and he laugh and everything about her. I know that Dawn is watching over us night & day. She was like family to me.
Miss you Dawn
Elaine Raffia
May 30, 2005
Dear Kevin,
I am sorry we were not at the memorial run for Dawn we were away that weekend. I just want you to know that you were in our thoughts. When we were on our way home at about 3:30 i looked up towards the mountain and the sun was shinig so bright that I knew Dawn was looking down on all of you. Again I am sorry we couldn't be there.
Elaine
May 24, 2005
Kevin,
What a wonderful job everyone did on the Memorial Ride.We hope it will be an Annual Event. We had a great time. Thanks
Jim Vicevich
May 7, 2005
Kevin,
I am sorry to hear about your loss and in your loving wife's memory we will mention your tribute to her this week on the show, Friday between 11 and 11:30 AM
God Bless your and your family
Jim
Aunty Donna
February 7, 2005
Kevin
I think of you often and your loss. I cannot understand why God always takes the good people in this world. Apparently he wanted her with him for a mission to help him out in his world as you know she accomplished so much in our world. I will never know what you are going threw -at times I feel your pain going threw what I do each day with Tina. Always remember she is in your heart and always around you.
Love Aunty Donna
Duane & Faye Sturgeon
February 4, 2005
Kevin,
We were so sorry and devastated to learn of Dawn's passing. We loved you as neighbors; you were such a special couple. We enjoyed seeing you two riding the Harley, knowing you enjoyed every minute of it. Faye will always fondly remember the runaway horse. Our hearts go out to you Kevin - the mountain will never be the same without your special angel.
Josh Ratti
February 1, 2005
Dawn, We all miss you so much you will always be with us.
love Jen + Josh Ratti
Dawn, Kevin, Uncle Danny (kevin's dad) and Aunty Diane at my wedding. We miss you Dawn love always, Josh + Jen
February 1, 2005
Lynnette
January 8, 2005
Kevin,
It was so nice to see you at the holiday party, I'm glad I got to see you smile. I think of you often and hope that you are doing ok. The booklet that you put together for Dawn was so wonderful. I will keep it in a safe place and look at it from time to time. She was so missed this Christmas by so many people, but I know she was with us and especially with you. Please keep us informed of and event or fund raiser for Dawn, maybe you could even use this site. You are someone we can all learn from for your courage and strength. Be well!
Lynnette
anonymous
December 23, 2004
Kevin,
Tho I only briefly met Dawn once, the letters I have read on this site tell me what a wonderful person she was.
Just want you to know ,my thoughts are with you during this very difficult Holiday Season.
God be with you,
Hampden Rd. neighbor
Fran
December 23, 2004
Kevin,
I still do not have the words but I will do my best. Dawn has left such a void in our lives, I miss her so much. I miss her smile, her laugh and especially her humor, the love that was seen in your eyes and in hers towards each other. You made her so happy and I know she made you equally as happy. This time of the year is difficult and please know that your family & friends are here for you. She is looking upon you with a smile and will forever be a part of you.
Brian
December 11, 2004
Kevin,
I remember lots of things about your Dawn that make me smile!!Like her calling me to the kitchen window and then spraying me with the hose through the screen. Or, the look on her face when I stomped in a puddle in the driveway and splashed her.But mostly Kev, I miss Dawn because of how easy she was to be a friend to. There are only a few people that I've met in my lifetime with that unique quality and it was pretty special to have found two of you under one roof. :)
November 19, 2004
It's been over a month now. It still doesn't seem real. It's hard on everyone because Dawn was such an amazing person. Always with a smile on her face, laughing, and just having a good time. I miss her more then ever. Dawn is like family to me and I will love her forever.
Miss you Dawn
Susanne Lee
November 16, 2004
Dear Kevin,
My name is Susanne Lee and I work for Allied in the Finance Department. Although, I didn't work directly with Dawn, I did know her and liked her alot. I was undergoing surgery and was home for a month, when a friend from work called me to let me know of Dawn's passing. I truly felt a deep sense of loss. She was a wonderful person who was committed to her job and the people she worked with. She always had a smile on her face every day! I know she was a private person. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers where with her, you and your families, although I could not physically attend the services held.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Susanne
Kim Waskiewicz
November 11, 2004
Kevin,
It has taken me along time to write. The words just aren't there. I wish I knew what to say to comfort you but I don't. Just know that I'm here for you and that I love you.
Dawn was a very special part of my life and I miss her so much. She was the best sister-in-law to me and the best aunt to Keith. She was such a big part of our family - always had a big smile, a joke or some wise crack to make you laugh. I think of her all the time and just know she will never be forgotten. She was one of a kind and touched so many lives.
Kevin, you were a fantastic husband and took such good care of Dawn. I know this because she told me. I am very proud to have you as my brother.
I know Dawn is here with us, watching over us and is now in a beautiful place where someday we will be together again.
I'm here for you always.
love ya,
Kim
cheryl uzdarwin
November 2, 2004
Kevin,
Hi, My name is Cheryl. I am the nurse at Allied and I met you at Dawn's Service. It was a very personalized and beautiful service you had for her.
I only knew Dawn for about a year and a half but I have to say I have never met anyone who handled a devastating disease the way she did. I have known many people going through what she did and I say that with all sincerity.
There are a few people we meet in our lifetime who are truly special and Dawn was certainly one of those people in my life.
I am in awe of the impact she had on people's lives just by being a good, kind and giving person. Most people can live to be 100 and never aquire the wisdom Dawn had at such a young age. I only had to meet her a few times to see her rare kind of beauty.
I know it can't be easy for you. I also know that she left you with enough strength and love to get through this.
Take comfort in knowing how much goodness she left in the world.
I will not forget Dawn and I will think of you often.
Take care of yourself, Cheryl
amy raffia
October 27, 2004
Dear Kevin,
Dawn was such a wonderful person, who had the biggest and brightist smile that everyone loved. I new Dawn through my mother. She was the only person i could go talk to and go see if my mom wasn't at work yet. I could always talk to her about things and new she would tell me good and true advice.Dawn was such a great person and had a very big impact on a lot of different peoples lifes. Her memories will always be her and she will never be for gotten My sympathy is with you kevin.
Sandra and Michelle Mashinsky
October 27, 2004
Dear Kevin:
Mishey and I were deeply saddened to hear of Dawn's passing. Mishey is a consumer at Allied who loved her for who she was. While waiting for the Allied transportation bus each morning, Dawn would pass by our house on her way to work and toot her horn, both of them waved and acknowledged each other. Now I tell her to look up into the heavens each morning and wave as she is smiling down on us all. Please know that Dawn was a tremendous asset to people with disabilities. Her thoughtfulness, Kindness, understanding and beautiful personality will long be remembered. Michelle and I have been extremely blessed for knowing such an inspirational lady. Our hearts and prayers will always be with you and your families. May God bless you all.
Christina (Gallo) Barber
October 26, 2004
Dear Kevin
I don't know if you remember me, and I did not know Dawn, but when I heard that she had passed away I felt I needed to say how sorry I am for your loss. I can't imagine the pain you are going through but please know that people are thinking of you...even the ones you least expect. With deepest sympathy
Esther Samuelson
October 23, 2004
Dear Kevin,
Although I only had the privilege of working with Dawn for less than two years, it was obvious to me that Dawn was an inspiration to many people. She was a very bright woman with a loving spirit that was unmatchable. Her love and dedication to all of the consumers she served will live on in the hearts of each and everyone she touched. Her compassion and understanding for the people she knew and helped will always be remembered. When I recall all of the times she made me laugh, it's truly hard to believe that she is gone from our earthly presence. It is the funny memories that have consoled me over the past several days. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My heartfelt prayers for all of you will continue for years to come.
God Bless
Esther
Another person touched by Dawn
October 22, 2004
Dear Kevin,
I have many fond memories of you and Dawn and the many adventures we all shared. So many laughs. Dawn was an amazing person who touched many lives - she will never be forgotten. Dawn always reached out on a personal level - I'll miss her smiling face. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Daniel Bolduc
October 22, 2004
Kevin:
Eventhough I didn't work very closely with Dawn, I always noticed and admired her dedication to her job and the consumers. It never seemed to matter what she was going through, emotionally or physically, whenever we passed each other in the hallway, she always had a Hello with a smile attached to it. It's a shame that such a beautiful, vibrant and wonderful person had to leave us so soon. I will always remember her courage, she was an inspiration to all of us who had the privilege to know her. Rest assured you will see your Dawn again some day.
Marie Ferolano
October 22, 2004
Dear Kevin,
Many people live to ripe old ages and when they pass away, few notice. It was a true tribute to Dawn's life and her work to see so many people whose lives she touched turn out to say farewell. Dawn did, indeed, leave this earth a better place than she found it. I cannot even begin to understand why such a wonderful young persons life was cut short. As we struggle to go on with our lives in her absence we should follow her brave example and live life to its fullest, love with our whole heart and help those who are less fortunate. Dawn has left her imprint on this earth but more importantly, on our hearts.
Through Dawn you have become an important part of our lives and we are not willing to let go of that link. How lucky are each and every one of us to have so many special memories to play over and over again in our minds to make us laugh and sometimes cry, but mostly, to keep her near us. Kevin, I heard you say you didn't know what to do or if you got it right. I'm thinking, you certainly did!
Love,
Marie
October 22, 2004
I remember working with Dawn at the National when we were in high school. She was always so nice and pleasant to be around. She never made you uncomfortable. We had some good laughs and got into some trouble. As the years went by I would only see her here and there, but it was always like time never passed and we would pick up where we left off. I will miss seeing her around, but I know she will always be present.
Peg Kenny
October 21, 2004
Dawn was a pleasure to work with. She had a real heart for our conusmers. Her work had Allied was not a job but a vocation. Her position may be filled but Dawn cannot be replaced. My deepest sympathy to her husband, Kevin, parents, family and close Allied friends.
Nadine & John Gardner
October 20, 2004
Kevin ~
I didn't know Dawn or you personally...
We've been neighbors for a long time though...
I was always too shy to introduce myself...
A hard lesson learned.
Dawn made me feel like I did know her though, through the biggest smiles and the friendliest waves she gave me when she saw me, or the family outside.
It was incredible the vibrance she had (it was apparent) on a daily basis.
She amazed me...
and I only knew her through waves, smiles, and hello's.
If she touched me with this minimal contact, I can imagine how she touched the lives of her family, friends, and you.
Always rememeber, she will always be with you... so be good! :)
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elaine Raffia
October 20, 2004
Kevin,
I am so sorry for your loss, Dawn was such a good friend she will truly be missed. When i found a lump last year Dawn was right there for me even when she was going through her own ordeal. I'll never forget the first time Dawn invited Henry and I up to your house we had such a good time meeting all your friends on the Mountain they truly are special people. You had a awesome winter party and Dawn would always say it was gonna snow and sure enough at some point it would. I will truly miss my friend.
Linda Burnell
October 20, 2004
Dear Kevin,
As I sit here helping with the finishing touches for the Resource Expo (which was one of Dawn's projects), I think about what a truly beautiful service you had for Dawn. From the preacher's speech, to her family and friends remembrance of her, to seeing all of you pay tribute to her after everyone else had left....it was all so right. You did a wonderful job. She is and will be greatly missed by everyone here at Allied. Remember, she's always in your heart so you'll never be without her. The same is true for us.
Cindy Nolan
October 20, 2004
I am a co-worker of Dawn's at Allied. I wanted to send you a hug as I was unable to do so in person. Dawn always had a quick sense of humor and would bring smiles with her wherever she went. I will miss her but know this; her influence and presence will always remain as she definately left a positive legacy at Allied and to those she worked for and with. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Thoughts and prayers, Cindy
Jodi Ouellette
October 20, 2004
Dear Kevin,
Although I do not know you personally, I had the opportunity to "know" you through Dawn. I have had the great opportunity to have worked with Dawn,at Allied.In my life, I shall never meet another woman, who exuded such grace,courage and class. I have been very fortunate to have known Dawn for the time I did. I shall miss her and shall strive to have that wisdom, the zest, the humor Dawn carried with her. My life has been touched, just by having known Dawn. What a beautiful woman who gave so unselfishly and looked at adversity as a catalyst to push on.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Dawn shall live forever in our hearts.
gerry breau
October 20, 2004
kevin it was shock when I heard about Dawn. She was avery special person. I will always remember her saying to me "Gerry have a great vacation" with a smile on her face no matter how she felt. I will have her in my prayers always.
Karen Thornton
October 20, 2004
Dear Kevin,
Dawn was one of the most amazing people i have ever met. She had an inner light that shined brighter than most in this life. Dawn had such an easy way about her, it was easy to speak with her with regards to just about anything. The only things she kept off limits at least between she and i is the extent to which she was ill. I could see how much pain she endured and felt frustrated that i could not help in any way. I worked with Dawn at Allied and i know just how devoted she was to her "guys" thats always how she would refer to them. She was so meant for this job, she gave of herself more than anyone will ever know. Those that worked with her knew that she would die for any one of the individuals she served.My wish for you Kevin is that you find inner peace and strength in the love you shared. I will always keep Dawn's smile in my heart as she was so genuine and kind. Our world is just a little darker since she passed, but heaven is 100 times brighter. God Bless you and your families as you grieve and always.
Melissa Giambra
October 20, 2004
Dear Kevin,
I can only imagine how you must feel.
I wanted to let you know how lovely I though her service was. Despite the incredible pain that you are in, you planned a service that was all about who Dawn is. The information about Dawn's life that you gave to the "preacher guy" was so thorough and so Dawn that I felt he knew her. It was a true tribute to her.
As I drove away, I saw you and some friends raise a beer to her, my belief is that she was there with you and will always be.
Dawn is a shining star in our universe, what we have told and continue to tell the guys is that she is all around us.
Sunday, about 35 people representing Allied are walking in the Rays of Hope Walk to raise money to fight breast cancer. This year and in future years, with great sadness, we dedicate our walk to your wonderful Dawn and will wear her picture as we walk.
Although she left us too soon for us, she is now comfortable and happy.
Melissa
Kathie Walbridge
October 20, 2004
Kevin,
It was my honor to have worked with Dawn for the 8 years that I have been with Allied. I had a feeling that she and Marie would make a "dynamic duo" and boy , did I hit the jackpot when I matched those 2!!! Since that time I came to know Dawn for more than a commited advocate for folks with disabilities, I was fortunate enough to get to know her as a person and eventually as a friend. A youngster who had dedicated her life to serving others ~ how fortunate for all of us.
When Dawn was originally diagnosed, her "it's all good" attitude was contagious and supporting her was not only easy, it was a privelege. When it became evident that this was a battle she was not going to win, it was at this time this couragious young woman truly became "my hero". I told Dawn of this, that the grace and class she displayed during this most difficult of times, was not only inspirational, but heroic in my eyes. Of course she dismissed any thoughts of doing anything exceptional. Some people have the rare talent to show us how to live, fewer still have the gift to show us how to die ~ Dawn was one of those few.
The void left here will never be filled, nor should it. We at Allied have lost a co-worker and a friend ~ you Kevin have lost a huge part of your heart and your world. Please know that you are also a part of the Allied "family" and a friend, and you are in our thoughts and prayers as well. God speed to Dawn and God bless you Kevin, we love you both.
Lynnette Breier
October 19, 2004
Dearest Kevin,
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you...and in the next moment I think, how lucky you are. People live many lifetimes and never find their true love as you and Dawn did. I've always known the two of your were perfect for each other but after Dawn's service it really became so clear just what you meant to each other.
I think I was in High School when Dawn and I met and I liked her very much immdediately. We took a long walk and learned about each others lives and I think we covered just about everything :) As the years went on she was part of our family and an important one at that. Of course, years go on and time goes by and lives get busy-and as I reflect back, Dawn was such a modest person. She never boasted about the work she did and how much she touched peoples lives. On my long drive back to Greenwich, I had a lump inside my throat as big as a beach ball because she was such a bright light that she kept inside her. She was dedicated, she was a loving wife, a great mommy to her dogs, an important family member and a very giving person who wanted to help in any way that she could. She lived life honestly and appreciated what she had. I am a very spiritual and I know that Dawn is by your side at this very moment...you were her life on this earth and she is your angel on the other side. Take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it-Dawn would want that and your family wants that. We all Love you.
Lynnette
aunt diane
October 19, 2004
Dawn will be so missed, Her fun loving ways and that great smile. She was one in a million!!!!!!!! How luckey our family is to have had her in our lives.
Jamie & Kim Willis
October 19, 2004
Dearest Kevin,
Although we were not able to visit as often as we would have liked with the new additions to our family, our hearts were always with you both and we thought of you almost daily. We will always remember the "old car" trips with our old trucks and the 40's in our adventures to the old car shows. The bike rides on those nice warm summer days and the day we stopped by after getting caught in the rain.
We will miss all the great annual outdoor Christmas parties with you guys and the singing and dancing in the driveway. What a long weekend with the two day binders. We will especially miss the warm welcome we always got from Dawn when we arrived at your home or at any get togethers we would have.
We both truly envied the relationship the two of you had together and we know that you loved each other dearly and it ALWAYS showed!! If only half the world could have what the two of you had it would be a much happier place.
Dawn was truly a one of a kind person and we were so happy to be your family and a part of your lives and will always cherish and remember all the great fun we all had together, and will continue to have, with Dawn with us in spirit. We will always be here if you need us.
With all our love and sympathy,
Jamie and Kim
Paula Vail-Gerard
October 19, 2004
Dear Kevin,
I would like to say how sorry I was to hear of Dawn's passing. Kim and Jeremy have spoken of you and Dawn in the past, but I had no idea that she was so ill. Again, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sincerely,
Paula Vail-Gerard
October 18, 2004
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim M
October 18, 2004
She was a great influence in many people's lives. She will be sadly missed by many people. May the lord bless her family and be with her family at this time.
Dawn M. Works
October 18, 2004
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Dawn, who was such a wonderful childhood friend. I grew up on Old Monson Road, and love the mountain and State Line Pond as your family does. Her spirit will be there.
Lori Getz
October 18, 2004
Dawn was a very special person and was a great influence in my sister's life. She will be missed by many. May God bless your family through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Coleen Ekenbarger and her family
Kimberly Ducharme
October 18, 2004
My deepest sympathies to the family for your loss.
Teri & Dave Rorrio
October 18, 2004
Dear Kevin,
Unfortunately for us ,we only had the opportunity to meet both of you this summer at our party.
I believe ,when a person passes they go to a place of peace and comfort. To join loved ones whom have also passed.
If there is anything we can do, please, do not hesitate to stop in. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Your neighbors at # 182.
Cynthia Hall
October 18, 2004
I can't believe such a beautiful person, who was so dedicated to her job and her many friends and co-workers there, was taken from us so quickly. We will miss you dearly.
Mr&Mrs. Leif Nilsen
October 17, 2004
Our sincerest sympathies to all the family.
Bill and Evelyn Bixby
October 17, 2004
We will alway remember the good times on the mountain and miss you very much.
Judy Ramsey
October 17, 2004
Helene: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness. May God bless you all with strength, peace and understanding.
With our deepest sympathy,
Judy Ramsey & Family
Sandra/Bill Adams
October 17, 2004
She was an inspiration to us all. Her sense of humor and courage will never be forgotten.
Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more