Dawn Antoinette "Mama Dawn" Barbella

Dawn Antoinette Barbella, age 61, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday morning, September 17, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born July 7, 1964, the youngest of three daughters, to the late Daniel and Antoinette Barbella. Dawn spent her childhood living in Kenilworth, New Jersey before moving to other parts of New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Georgia and finally Maryland. To know Dawn was to know that she had a lifelong love affair with her dogs. Since the age of eight and throughout her life there was always a dog, and for some time, two dogs by her side. They were her constant companions and she adored each and every one. Eos, her sheepadoodle, was her most recent "best friend". She stayed by Dawn's side throughout her illness and remained the love of her life. Dawn was adventurous and loved nature and being outdoors. Before her illness she enjoyed skiing, hiking and camping. One of her favorite adventures took her on a Canadian expedition to watch the polar bears frolicking on the ice. The walls of her home were adorned with polar bear pictures as evidence of her fondness for natural wildlife. Those who knew Dawn will remember her infectious smile and sense of humor. She had a compassionate gift for succeeding in making others laugh and feel happy, which left a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. Her generosity toward others was unmatched. Dawn always wanted to show her appreciation in some way to those who were kind to her either in word or deed. It was in Georgia where Dawn's generous spirit was most apparent. She moved there and remained there for seven years to help raise, nurture and care for her dear friend's step granddaughters, Abbie and Rebecca. They lovingly called her "Mama Dawn". Not having children of her own, Dawn always said that was the most rewarding time of her life. Dawn's love for her girls never wavered even up to her dying day. Finally, there are no words that can express how blessed and grateful we are to Dawn's wonderful friends at Heritage Harbor as well as her co-workers at OMM and her dear friends from the dog park. Whether preparing meals for Dawn, walking Eos, taking her to doctor appointments, the countless friendly visits; these acts of kindness were all part of the outpouring of love for Dawn that remains unmatched and so very much appreciated. Dawn was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Antoinette (Faraone) and her nephew, Matthew Chmieleski. Dawn is survived by her two sisters , Denise Chmieleski and her husband Stephen, Donna Caravello and her husband Louis; her niece Michelle Margeotes and her husband Paul; her nephew Jeffrey Caravello and his wife Valentina; her great-nephew Dominick Margeotes; dear cousin Kathleen Kelly and her husband John and their son George; and finally, her beloved companion, her sheepaadoodle, Eos. Dawn will be sadly missed by a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Dawn loved you all and considered all whom she loved "family". A Memorial Service is planned for Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090. In honor of Dawn, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (via mail to 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online here). Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.