Dawn "DJ Diva Dawn" McCarthy

(Nee Fennig)
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 at the age of 58.
Loving wife of Ron "Ronnie Mac", together for 33 1/3 years. Amazing mother of Ileah. Loving and tenacious sister to Joel (Dianne) Fennig, Jay (JoAnn) Fennig, Cyndy (Jeff) Vallier and the late Michael Fennig. Loving and supportive aunt to Randi, Jordan, Justin, CJ, Josh and the late Kelly. Best friend of Beth. Further survived by other relatives, coworkers and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents Art and Monica Fennig.
Dawn was a loyal wife, a loving mother, and a true best friend to many.
She grew up immersed in love and adventure, alongside four siblings and two devoted parents. As a child, when her mom and dad would ask the kids to do something, she'd rally them to get it done. She took charge like that, not to control, but so that everyone she loved could truly have fun. Dawn loved exploring nature and being in awe of its many treasures, often making crafts with driftwood and pinecones with her mother and sister. Being at the lake with her family, swimming, and spending time with her grandparents brought her so many joyful memories. Her joy in spending time with family, friends, and animals helped her blossom into an amazingly selfless and caring woman.
Dawn's commitment to her goals was unwavering. Following in her mother's footsteps, she had a talent and passion for floristry. Dawn loved collaborating on passion projects with many friends and ran a weekly class with one friend, where she shared the beauty of floral artistry with others. Dawn was also known as DJ Diva Dawn, a key part of The Three Mac DJ service, a side hustle she shared with her husband, DJ Ronnie Mac. This venture brought them both many years of dancing and fulfillment as they bonded deeper over their love of music. Affectionately known as "work mom," Dawn was the driving force behind productivity in her various jobs over the years. She knew how to take charge and get things done, yet she always had a knack for bringing laughter, joy, and camaraderie to her coworkers.
In 1995, she eloped with her sweetheart, Ron McCarthy. She knew he was the one, so when he proposed a secret getaway, they escaped to the Virgin Islands. They forged an unbreakable bond of trust and love, and from that foundation, they built a beautiful family. Throughout their 33 years together, they never took each other for granted and never stopped dating. They enjoyed clubbing in Chicago, exploring hiking and bike trails all over the country, or having friends over for game night. It didn't matter what they did, as long as they were together; she was having the time of her life. Through everything, Dawn was always loved, trusted, and supported by Ron.
She loved her only daughter, Ileah, deeply and saw herself reflected in her, as many others did too. Dawn raised her to be a strong and empathetic woman, giving her everything she needed to flourish. She taught her to love deeply and always see the good in people. Passing down creative talents from her own mother, Dawn taught Ileah how to paint, sew, and dance, all while fostering a spirit of free expression. They often spent hours together in Dawn's craft room, bringing Ileah's elaborate costume ideas to life. She always encouraged and supported her daughter, as seeing Ileah pursue her dreams brought Dawn immense joy.
Dawn continued her legacy of care and love through her many friendships. Her vibrant spirit, radiant smile, and boldlaugh drew people to her; she was magnetic. She was often cracking jokes, telling stories, and dishing out her sweet and sassy spitfire attitude. Dawn had a knack for seeing potential in others that they couldn't see in themselves, and she knew how to help them shine. She often took those going through tough times - whether it was a divorce, breakup, mental illness, difficult home life, or grief - under her wing, becoming a steadfast rock for them. You didn't have to be her best friend to be impacted by her, because she always loved with a big heart and treated others with respect.
These connections led to countless gatherings, with Dawn hosting many Easter, Christmas, and family parties. While she showed up for her family in numerous ways, throwing amazing parties was truly her forte. She always went above and beyond when planning, not because she had to, but because she genuinely wanted to. Her most famous event was the annual McCarthy Halloween Party. Dawn would spend over a month decorating her home and sewing coordinating costumes for herself, her husband, and her daughter. She'd often playfully tease her family for not deciding on their costumes quickly enough, then rush to make everything perfect. Microphone in hand, she'd lead games, pour creative drinks, and prepare an array of delicious food. Whether it was a family gathering, a party for her nieces and nephews, or a simple game night, when it came to hosting, there was truly nothing she couldn't do.
Dawn's vibrant spirit, unwavering love, and playful personality touched countless lives. She leaves behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and profound connection, forever stitched into the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. While she will be deeply missed and the pain of loss almost unbearable, the laughter, unconditional love, and the beauty she saw in everything will inspire us to carry on and stick to the plan.
Visitation will be held at the Bruskiewitz Funeral Home on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at 1 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 3 PM. Private interment.