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Dawn Therese Brancheau
1969 - 2010
Dawn Therese Brancheau
1969 - 2010
Obituary
Guest Book
Dawn Brancheau Obituary
Dawn's inherent love for others, for children, and for animals was her life's passion. Her work with whales at Sea World brought her great joy, and her skills as a trainer came naturally. Her love for animals extended beyond work. She volunteered at her local animal shelter and her home was often the refuge for animals, including ducks, roosters, chickens, birds, bunnies, and dogs.
Dawn was a 1987 graduate of Andrean High School in Merrillville, IN. She went on to receive degrees in Psychology and Biology from the University of South Carolina where she was active on the dance team and a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.
After college, Dawn met her husband and best friend, Scott Brancheau, in the cafeteria at Sea World shortly after arriving to pursue her life-long dream. Scott and Dawn were married in 1996 in Chicago. They have been living in St. Cloud with their chocolate labs, Ruger and Maggi, where they created a loving and welcoming home. Their door was always open to family and friends traveling to Orlando.
Dawn was the loving wife of Scott Brancheau, cherished daughter of Marion & the late Charles LoVerde Jr., daughter-in law to John and Terry Brancheau, dear sister of Deborah (Anthony) Frogameni, Charles (Tracy) LoVerde, Darlyne Klages, Diane (Jeffrey) Gross, and Thomas (Mary) LoVerde, sister-in-law to Lou-Ann (Joe) Morrill and Daniel (Lauren) Brancheau, loving aunt of Ali, Anthony, Vincent, Dominic, Mario, Francesca, Gianna, Melissa, Jessica, Jenny, Jonathan, Cole, Reve, Addie, Bethany and the late Nathan, godmother and honorary aunt to many, and a once in a lifetime friend to most..
Dawn had a strong faith in Christ and her fellow man, and possessed the gift of loving well. She was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in St. Cloud where she enjoyed Bible Study and was working to aid an orphanage in Africa.
Dawn was compassionate, loving, and lived her short life to its fullest. With genuine joy and hope in her heart, she made all of our lives better for having known and loved her.
Visitation Sunday 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL. Funeral Mass Monday, 11:00 AM at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL
Memorial services will be held in Orlando at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dawn Brancheau Memorial Fund, c/o US Bank,
P.O. Box 809231, Chicago, IL 60680-9231.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Silviannah (pen name)
July 4, 2025
Hello, I´m not too sure what to say because I wasn´t even born by the time Miss Dawn died. But growing up, I watched the DVD of "Believe", and I remembered I LOVED her performance. She was so beautiful and inspiring for me when I was little. I´m a teenager now, and I rewatched her performance (unaware she was even dead), before my brother told me the news. This was heartbreaking to me. I looked up to her. Even when I was little, my dream was to be exactly like her. To perform with the Orcas at SeaWorld. It´s bittersweet in my eyes. She passed away in what I think is a bad way to go out, but she died doing what she loved. So, Miss Dawn, I hope you´re doing okay in the afterlife. You were a beautiful and kind soul that inspired a lifetime of performance for a little girl. You taught me to love animals just through a video. I used to watch you for hours, just watching as you swam with the orcas. I remember, about 2 years ago, I saw dolphins in the ocean on a morning walk. My mind instantly snapped to you, and I began singing all the songs from your DVD´s soundtrack in my head. I watched it so many times as a little girl that I knew it by heart even after so many years. Even if we weren´t alive at the same time, you will forever hold a place in the heart of the once-little girl who aspired to be exactly like you.
Rosanna Jacobs Anderson
August 16, 2024
rest in peace Dawn!
Tony Spirito
August 3, 2024
In your honor, I'll be watching for whales on a boat. It's gonna be so hot to-day — make sure to look down on me while I'm there. I love you!
Tony Spirito
July 1, 2024
To Dawn Brancheau,
It's just hard to believe you've been gone for fourteen years. I actually looked at a few pictures of you with the whales, and I gotta say - those are always front-and-center! You made sure they were well-behaved - which was harder than you think. "Sea-World" in Orlando (Florida) isn't the same any-more. Rest in peace.
From,
Tony Spirito (Elizabeth, New Jersey).
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Tony Spirito
July 1, 2024
To Dawn Brancheau,
You've been gone for fourteen years, but you sounded like an amazing person to be around. You died doing what you were best at. To me, it's devastating. And you know what else? The fact that a lot of people re-membered you so well (trust me - I looked at all of them). Certainly the greatest! Enjoy the red, white and blue!
From,
Tony Spirito (Elizabeth, New Jersey).
MY
May 22, 2024
Dawn, even after your passing you are an incredible inspiration. Your genuine spirit, compassion, joy, and liveliness is so palpable even in videos of your performances. Your early passing is a great sorrow to all who loved you, knew you, or knew of your spirit. Despite this, you have touched the lives of many, and made a meaningful impact on our world. I am grateful to know of your story. I imagine your positive energy, compassionate spirit, and beautiful smile in Heaven. May you rest in peace, Dawn.
Theresa Flores
April 26, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jacqueline G. McRae-Mitchell
April 15, 2023
Love You Dawn. Even though I never met you and only watched your beautiful performances online I loved you any way for being a talented, healthy, decent Christian woman and a follower of Christ and Keeper and Caretaker of his Beloved Orcas.
Jacqueline G. McRae-Mitchell
March 10, 2023
You will be greatly missed. "Sleep with the Angels."
Lucas J. Ammons
April 1, 2022
She's in heaven doing orca shows for The Trinity and the saints :-)!
Mike
September 12, 2020
You were a Great Steward for God’s creatures. You and Tily swim together again in joy in his heavenly ocean. Love you both. Thanks Dawn. Thanks Tilikum!
danetz laurence france
September 3, 2020
une belle femme dynamique et qui aimait son job
Amanda Harrell
January 20, 2020
Such a Sweet & Caring person ad she was a great woman and friend to our family...you are missed by many Dawn...RIP Beautiful
October 15, 2019
You're amazing
HENRY BRUMMEL
September 21, 2019
May you rest in peace.
Tia Conroy
September 20, 2019
Rest in heaven
March 4, 2017
YOU WAS THE BEST SEAWORLD TRAINER! GOD BLESS YOU DAWN! Dominique Michaud (CANADA, QUÉBEC,QUÉBEC CITY)
JOHN A. COONEY
February 2, 2017
GOD BLESS DAWN AND FAMILY.. REST IN PEACE...
Lorena Torres
March 31, 2016
It is so sad to see these incidents happen...RIP Dawn..Prayers to her family and for Telikum
Sherry Gleason
February 9, 2016
Thinking of you, Dawn.
Raynn morrison
February 8, 2016
Dawn was a well loved person from all around the world.
Sonya King
December 1, 2015
Thinking of you and your beautiful smile and spirit, Dawn. You're greatly missed. God bless and continued prayers to the family.
Charlotte Sepulveda
September 4, 2015
Heavenly Father you have an Angel up there who love animals and whales with a passion. Put her besides Poseidon and she will have him looking at the waters in a whole new light. Bless her husband and family always.
Emylee Eyler
June 27, 2015
Dawn is an inspiration to everyone around the world, and we will forever remember her love and devotion.
Theresa Taylor
June 21, 2015
Dawn's life and memory will burn like the flame on this candle, Forever. Her love for Marine Life was her passion, it will reflect lives of Orca's and Hers like the reflection of this candle. Love and Passion for Marine Life lives on thru Dawn from this day on for an eternity. God Bless you Dawn , you are missed by your friends and family. Your Orcas' miss you.
June 14, 2015
so sad
Sherri Bunch
April 10, 2015
I remember seeing you. what an amazing inspiration you were and still are.
lindsey Webster
December 1, 2014
Dawn has inspired me to loveand care for these amazing animals. I hope I can carry on her legacy. It's sad how the good ones go. But she she went by doing something she was passionate about. Also she died with her favorite killer whale. My condolences to her friends and loved ones. After 5 or after 50 I will never forget Dawn.
Beverly F
September 27, 2014
It's unpredictable to know what any animal would do. It's so sad to see those who love and train animal causes them to lose their lives. But one day in Gods kngdom government he will bring animals and humans into harmonious relationship with one another. (Isaiah 11:6-9)
Krystyn R
June 12, 2014
I saw you at sea world when I was a kid. I remember you. You talked to me after the show. I didn't know you had passed until I saw a documentary about you. To your friends and family; I'm so sorry for ur loss.
deon massey
May 27, 2014
R.I.P dawn
March 18, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sara
March 16, 2014
Rest peacefully now
February 25, 2014
visited yesterday and just remembered what an awesome trainer, friend, loving person you were. we'll never forget beautiful dawn.
Sherry Gleason
February 24, 2014
In your memory, Dawn
Sherry Gleason
February 24, 2014
Thinking of you and of your friends, family, and coworkers today, Dawn. You are greatly loved and missed.
February 22, 2014
May you rest in peace, Dawn. I would never have the courage to be near those orcas, but you thought of them as children. Bless you and your family.
January 21, 2014
I think of you and yours often, Dawn.
January 19, 2014
And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.”(Isa 65:19) Wonderful promise and heartfelt prayers go out for all the families and friends.
i will be your friend
mikayla dunn
January 15, 2014
rip dawn i have never seen you but your memory is in me allways
-mikayla dunn kansas city mo
Henry Brummel
January 15, 2014
I am glad that Dawn's memory is kept alive through this guest book. May God bless her and her Family.
C. B.
January 14, 2014
Dawn,
You are my hero. I look to you for encourengement to press on toward the goal of working with those precious whales one day. I think of you every day, and, almost four years after your death, I hope you rest in peace, pray for your family, and look forward to seeing you in heaven one day. I still Believe, sister! <3 you!
Tina Corder
October 13, 2013
Dawn, I enjoyed watching you with the whales. You were lucky to live your dream, and bring such joy to others. I will remember you for the joy you brought to others not the tragedy of your leaving us. God bless you Dawn and keep you and your loving friends of family in his loving arms and give you peace.
Jordan
October 8, 2013
God bless you Dawn. Rest in peace! <3
August 26, 2013
Hey everyone I just was thinking about all the video's I saw her in I wish I could have met u I wish we could have a family reunion so I could met everyone one your Second cuz Tina Vitali
Christopher Brown
August 24, 2013
Dawn Brancheau, was a great inspiration to me she loved what she did and we should still to this day celebrate what joy she brought to the visitors and guest of all nations that visited Seaworld her home away from home.
To the Brancheau family: We love you guys and through her life we can see the influence you gave her she just lights up my heart because of the love she had for the animals and her family as well.
debby Lawson
August 1, 2013
We have visited seaward a few times and was always moved by ur beautiful performance. I still get a pang of sadness when I watch the believe video. Such a tragedy god bless u touched millions of hearts
Sherry Gleason
July 6, 2013
I think of Dawn and her family often.
Aidan Girard
July 2, 2013
Dawn , is a great person not was ! because even though she is gone she still continues to help us all she is a great person and i hope to one day meet this wonderful girl ! <3 xo xo
kaitlyn
June 16, 2013
I want to be just like you Dawn!
Linda
May 13, 2013
What a tragedy it is to lose someone so young and so full of life. Dawn will surely be missed. We can all look forward to the day when we see her again on a paradise earth filled with people who, like Dawn know how to treat animals and there will be no fear of the animals or for the animals. Ps.37:11 & 29, Isa. 11:8
March 31, 2013
miss you everyday dawn, your love and the incredible person you were are always here.
Michael Erris Sr.
March 28, 2013
I miss you. What a friend you were and such a beautiful person. I know you went to heaven on the wings of angels.
Jose Garcia
January 5, 2013
You will be missed.
Aidan Girard
January 2, 2013
I believe! Go Dawn!
October 15, 2012
rest in peace
Shereen Duclos
October 3, 2012
Its an honor to know someone like Dawn lived and the great work that she did will remain her legacy.,She was an incredible person and had an abundance of love in her heart. May God keep her in His care and may she dance in Heaven!!!
jackie giordano
August 6, 2012
dawn- you are never forgotten, always honored and i thank you for all the love you radiated, from all of us who never had the honor to know you personally but were overcome with your love for the world and your animals.
Sherry Gleason
August 4, 2012
In Dawn's honor...thinking of you and yours today
Shelly Boyle
August 2, 2012
I didn't know Dawn, but I can see that she was an incredible person. She was kind and loving. She sounds like she was everything that was good in this world. I am so sorry that she is gone. B
Pam Olivieri
July 19, 2012
What an amazing woman. She lived her life to the fullest, doing what she loved. We can all be truly inspired by her. My prayers for her loved ones.
June 17, 2012
Sea world will never be the same without you Dawn, you were an amazing woman and your love lives on in your family, friends and those of us you inspired.
Sherry Gleason
June 17, 2012
Thinking of your family - our daughter was a trainer with Dawn
June 17, 2012
May God bless you and your family.
Jon Ferguson
June 16, 2012
Dear Dawns husbands and family I m Jon Ferguson Enjoy going to sea world we will missed dawn I'm one her fans she was a special lady at sea world I enjoy spend the shows there god bless you Jon Ferguson
Jon Ferguson
June 15, 2012
Dear the brancheau family
My name is Jon Ferguson
I'm so sorry about dawn she will be missed alot by her fans at sea world my prays go out to you I'm one of her fans god bless you Jon Ferguson
Joann Nannini
February 26, 2012
We miss you so much Dawn you will always be in our heart and minds. We feel you at Sea World everytime we go. Rest our Angel.....
Leslie
February 9, 2012
My condolences to Dawn's family. It has been nearly two years...it doesn't feel that long. She was lovely, her death so tragic. May the Lord bring you comfort.
jackie
December 11, 2011
dawn not a day goes by that don't think of you and wish you were here with us, you will always live in our hearts, your impact was great on so many lives. love you beautiful lady.
Gleason family
October 27, 2011
Still think of you every day, Dawn, here in Plano, TX.
Martha Jolly
October 26, 2011
She was inspiring, wonderful and self oriented with a goal in her life. To assist creatures like Tilikum. I am proud to know she came from the US because she made a bigg change for us and she gave us a new reason to believe in ourselves. She was very interested and excited to work as a trainer for SEAWORLD when she went for her first time when she 11 years old. Well she reached for her dream far enough she accomplished it. Thank you Ms Dawn Brancheau.
<3 Martha Jolly
Peyton Braud
July 15, 2011
My cousin first told me about you and i would like to work in sea world to. i want to work with the dolphins. my cousin jordan and i look up to you and miss you. we wish you could come back and work with tilly. jordan wants to work with the killer whales like you. we love and miss you. you will always be in our hearts.
July 15, 2011
Still missing your beautiful smile!
Jordan LeJeune
June 23, 2011
God wanted an awesome trainer in heaven. A sweet,careful,loving,beautiful,and very INSPIRING person and he defiantly got her! Not a day passes by when i don't think about you. I want to follow in your footsteps! I miss you so much wait for me at the golden gates! i saw you at Sea world before i cant believe your gone! every time i go to Sea world i cry even if it isn't the Orlando one. you have touched so many lives especially mine. TRUST ME! you were just so AMAZING! if only i could rewind and warn you what was coming so this didn't happen to you. I know exactly what i want to do when i get older and when people ask me the answer will be "FOLLOW IN DAWN THERESE BRANCHEAU'S FOOTSTEPS!" and if they ask why my answer will be "BECAUSE SHE MEANS THE WORLD TO ME AND SHE IS SO INSPIRING!" As soon as i heard about your death i knew that it was going to hurt not only me but so many others! Some people blame it on Tilly but I don't because he's a whale! You wouldn't be very happy if you saw all these things people say about him! Dawn i could go on and on about you! I can't get over your death. I will ALWAYS remember you! RIP!!! I LOVE AND MISS YOU!
Jordan LeJeune
June 23, 2011
Roses are red, violets are blue Dawn is in Hevan and oneday we will be too! You were so pretty I saw the pic of you holding the little kitty. You loved the whales. I met you but only once. You inspire me I want to be an orca whale trainer. You knew the risks and took them wow you were brave I hope someday I will be just like you you were really beautiful and I know you are watching the whales from hevan and training Kalina. I just can't believe your gone! There isnt a day that goes by when I dont think about you! I know we will meet again oneday! Please wait for me at the golden gates! I promise I wont be late I will always follow in your footsteps I love you!!
jordan lejeune
June 23, 2011
god wanted a beautiful,amazing,caring,loving,and inspiring woman and he got it! not a day passes by that i dont think about you! when i got to seaworld yesterday i literally cried! i miss you dawn you inspire me its always been my dream to be an orca whale trainer! rip and i love you!
Jordan LeJeune
June 23, 2011
I met Dawn she was SO sweet it was always my dream to be an orca trainer and she is the one who inspires me and told me how to get started! I can't believe shes gone she was such an inspiration! But GOD wanted her and now shes training Kalina in hevan! RIP Dawn I love you!!!!
the Gleason family
May 1, 2011
You're on our minds today, Dawn. Love, peace, and strength to your family, friends, and coworkers who are keeping your legacy alive every single day.
Roberto Capuozzo
April 30, 2011
Salutes by [email protected] from Italy!
the Gleason Family
April 10, 2011
Our daughter Kristi was a trainer with Dawn, and not a day passes that we don't think of Dawn and of what she means to so many people.
We want you to know that Dawn, her family, friends, and coworkers are still in our prayers, each and every day.
February 26, 2011
It's hard to believe its been one year since the world lost you beautiful Dawn, I pray that GOD will be with your family and everyone who loves you, you touched so many lives with your love- we'll always remember and miss you. Your life was an example to us all , if only we could be more like you and enjoy every moment of this beautiful world, what a place this would be.
February 25, 2011
One year has passed and still our hearts mourn your passing. May peace come to your friends and family. God Bless ~
Caroline Cullen
February 19, 2011
I never had the chance to meet Dawn but was very touched by her death and often think of her and how god had other plans for this angel .
Taz Lawrence
February 19, 2011
It was a true honor to be able to meet Dawn in person, she made me so happy being able to see her doing what she loved. It was very obvious she was enjoying it..her smile gave it away. You truly are special Dawn, you will be loved and missed.
Lucas Ammons
January 28, 2011
I've never met Miss Brancheau, however, I look forward to seeing in heaven.
Susan Baird
January 20, 2011
I have watched some video tributes of Dawn. She is someone special. For those of you who are blessed to have been a big part of Dawn's life, I know you will forever treasure that blessing. She is someone I would have liked to have known. She's a beautiful person with a very contagious smile that I believe you will see again. I am truly sorry for your loss.
December 30, 2010
I wish that i could change what happened that awful rainy day, its still so hard to understand why. You will always be remembered for the amazing miracle you are, a one of a kind angel- we love you.
tracie fowler
December 29, 2010
Dawn,i never met you,but you were an inspiration to all who loves animals. To be able to work with killerwhales,is something not everyone can do. Rest in peace Dawn.
December 23, 2010
Many people known and unknown to you, Dawn, still sense what a great loss it is to have lost you.
Your first Christmas in heaven, rest in peace!
December 22, 2010
Still Missing You Dawn!
December 18, 2010
Miss your spirit at the stadium Dawn, you are forever in our hearts and thoughts. Praying that the Lord will be with Scott and your family during this holiday season.
Anne Diehl
December 16, 2010
I have been to Seaworld on many occasions and have always enjoyed the whale show. I have seen Dawn perform with the whales many, many times. She was amazing with those animals - she truly made it an amazing show. We are planning our next vacation down to Florida and she will be greatly missed from our Seaworld visit. Rest in Peace, Dawn. You were an amazing trainer!
Marianne Hernandez
December 10, 2010
Rest your soul in peace right next to the Lord Dawn, while we remember you and miss you here on Earth, as the happy, lovely and friendly person that you are. God bless your family today and always...
Laura Peterson
November 23, 2010
Dawn's natural ability and gifts as a trainer shine through each performance. No one may ever understand why Tilikum did what he did, but Dawn was truly his best friend and I just can't imagine that he hurt her deliberately. I would imagine that the whales still look for her, even Tilikum. To Scott: May your memories change from painful to happy cherished memories with a great lady. You can hold your head high and know that Dawn made a huge difference and taught millions of people through out her career about these beautiful animals. I know nothing can bring her back, but she will never be comepletely gone as long as we all carry her work and knowledge forward. She was blessed to have a suppporting and loving husband. Know that her love for you will always be around you. I am deeply sorry for your loss and for her family. May time bring you all peace.
Gleason family
November 11, 2010
Thinking of you and yours today, Dawn.
Patrick Davis
November 7, 2010
I miss you Dawn. Rest in piece and swim on!!!!
jackie
September 19, 2010
i will never forget your brilliant smile, amazing talent and love for your whales and everyone who had the honor of meeting you. The happiness that radiated from you is so palatable, we didn't have to know you personally to feel how awesome you were. I pray that GOD is holding you in the palm of his hand.
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