Dawn Hatch

Dover, NH – We surrendered the body of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Dawn Foster Hatch, 84 of Barrington to the arms of our lord in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 28, 2023, after a lengthy illness. We are grateful that she is now at peace and re-united with the love of her life, our father and other loved ones that passed before.
Dawn was born on November 18, 1938 in Rochester, NH, the third daughter of the late G. Frank Foster, Jr. and Bernice E. (Howard) Foster. She graduated from Spaulding High School in Rochester.
She met her soulmate, Douglas Hatch in the Summer of 1954 and weeks later married him on October 10, 1954. They were blessed to have one another for 61 years. Doug predeceased her on November 30, 2015.
They were gifted with 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
At the time she met Doug, she was working at the Jiffy Diner in Rochester. She then went to work at various shoe shops in Rochester and Farmington. She was an Avon Representative for many years and painted Sebastian Miniatures. In 1971, Doug started his own construction business and Dawn worked beside of him handling the day to day office tasks, picking up materials from suppliers, etc. Their son, Darin, joined the business in the 1980's and the three of them later formed D&D Hatch Excavation, LLC.
In the early 1970's, Dawn began her long career of volunteering and working with the residents of the Town of Barrington when she was asked to participate on the "First" Budget Advisory Committee. During that time she was also involved with zoning reform that ultimately led to Barrington's Village District and Town Center being formed. She served many years on the Planning Board in various capacities, Chairperson, Secretary and a Member. She was the Land Use Clerk (retiring in 2011) and then decided to run for Selectperson for the Town. She served 2 terms until illness caused her to retire in the Spring of 2020. Her love and knowledge of her home town was demonstrated whenever she shared information with the residents; potential residents; her co-workers, business owners; developers, real estate agents, appraisers, etc. that she came in contact with every day. On November 3, 2012, Dawn was honored when she received the Citizen of the Year Award by the Chamber of Commerce. She also served for several years as the Secretary for the Kimball Cemetery in Rochester.
The greatest gift in Dawn's life was her family. She was greatly honored when her daughter, granddaughter and grandson each named a child after her. Her family gave her much love, pleasure, pride and joy. She loved when one of her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren would visit or call so she could catch up with all that was happening in their lives - school, sports, work, etc. She treasured all of the great grandchildren's photographs and "personal" artwork that she received and displayed them so she could look at them frequently.
Her favorite pastimes were spending time with Doug, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; attending to her flower gardens, reading John Grisham books, playing Solitaire on her computer, watching Matlock, Perry Mason, Law & Order and Gone With The Wind, Knitting afghans and sweaters – she always had multiple projects going on at once and her family pets.
Dawn is survived by her three children; Daphne Foster (Hatch) Feeney of Sanford, ME, Darin of Barrington and Douglas Jr. of Tennessee. Loving grandmother to seven; Justin Hatch of California, Amanda "Dawn" (Feeney) Hutchins (affectionately known as the favorite granddaughter) of Alexandria, Bennett Hatch of California, Abram Feeney of Alfred, ME, Adam Feeney of Raymond, ME, Dwayne Hatch of Barrington and William Hatch of Rochester; great-grandmother to ten; Aidan Feeney of Raymond, ME, Emma Feeney of Alfred, ME,
Ashling Feeney of Raymond, ME, Brecken Hutchins of Alexandria, Paige Feeney of Alfred, ME, Kennedy "Foster" Hutchins of Alexandria, NH, Natalie "Dawn" Hatch of Somersworth, Mya Hatch of Barrington, Cooper Hatch of Barrington and Abella Feeney of Raymond, ME. Daphne's spouse, George who she always affectionately called her "Third Son", Darin's spouse, Karen and Douglas' spouse, Marsha.
Also, surviving is her Uncle, Richard Howard of Nebraska, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, parents and sisters, Bernice Foster and Peggy Johnston.
We, as a family, are thankful for the gift of love, respect & devotion shown to all of us daily by Mom. She will be dearly missed by everyone that loved her or knew her. At her request there will be no calling hours or services, a private interment will be at the Kimball Cemetery in Rochester at a later date.
We would like to thank the many wonderful nurses, nurse's aides and staff that provided Mom with kindhearted attention and care during her stay at Langdon Place of Dover.
Anyone wishing to make a donation - may be made to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society, Dover NH or a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Purdy Funeral Service in Lee, NH.