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BORN
1948
DIED
2025
Dawn Hooper Obituary
Born: March 11, 1948 in Harvard, IL
Died: December 13, 2025 in Harvard, IL
Dawn Marie Hooper, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the age of 77. She leaves a void in our lives that cannot be filled, but her memory will forever bloom in our hearts and continue to guide us as we navigate life without her physical presence.
Her greatest joys were found in simple pleasures: the quiet concentration of a new book, the vibrant colors of her garden, Friday fish fries, and the love of dolphins. Her home was a sanctuary filled with the scent of clean linen and the presence of countless stories. She was an avid card player, enjoyed hot fudge sundae's, looked forward to thirsty Thursdays, loved listening to Linda G, and always welcomed a visit from family and friends.
Dawn survived by: Sister; Linda Welch (Jim Welch), Brother; Donald Hackman Jr (Cindi Hackman), Children; Angela Brown, Renee Overlee (Jeff Overlee) Shawn Pena (Clemente Pena, John Hooper. Grandchildren Courtney Cosman, Hannah Hooper, Caleb Overlee (Faith Overlee), Benjamin Overlee, Megan Falhive (Gavin Falhive), David Pena (Jackie Pena), Kenny Pena (Mara Pena), Mitch Hooper, Patrick Hooper, Kylee Mata (Sydney Mata). Six cherished great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. And her most beloved and cherished friend Margie Palmer
Preceded in death by parents Donald Hackman SR, Marilyn Hackman, her husband Harold Hooper, and grandson Steven Hooper.
In lieu of flowers and donations - "Celebrate Her Life" with us in May 2026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dawn Hooper
Shawn Pena
December 22, 2025
My mom was my best friend life is different without her. Countless memories, laughs , cries and talking on phone. This holiday will be hard without her but I´ll set her a plate and light a candle for her. Love you mom. Until we meet again RIP
Erin Engelhardt
December 19, 2025
Reading the obit with sadness, yet the memories of Dawn puts a smile on my heart. Her quick wit, sense of humor and sass was an endearing part of her style. She was loved and will be missed. Peace be with you. My prayers for the family.
Susie Towne
December 18, 2025
Dawn was always a great coworker! She always had a smile and was ready to help! And she was half the size of Harold! God bless you all!
Diane Flahive
December 17, 2025
I will always remember the night we went for dinner and then off to Loretta Lynn at concert. We had such a good time. You are a wonderful
Person and I will miss you. Condolences and become the Angel you were meant to be
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Megan Flahive
December 17, 2025
It is difficult to put into words the impact my Mema had on my life. As a little girl I spent a lot of time at my grandparents house and even into my adulthood going to Mema's meant I was home. She taught me meat tenderizer will get a bee stinger out, you can clean almost anything with some dawn soap and vinegar, most of all she taught me what it means to be a strong woman. She was quite literally the foundation of our family, from being a farmers wife to helping raise generations of children. I hope that I can continue to honor her legacy.
Love You Always!
Linda Welch
December 17, 2025
I miss you now and always! My heart is heavy now but try to keep the faith that we will see each other again!
Adam Welch
December 16, 2025
Aunt Dawn is at the heart of so many of my core memories. When I think of her, I am instantly transported back to the days of our massive family gatherings. Those chaotic, wonderful holidays are memories I cherish even more now in my adult years. Her passing so close to Christmas is deeply sad, yet she will always serves as a lasting reminder of joy, warmth, and togetherness. I love you Aunt Dawn.
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