Dawn Marie DenBraber, our funny and loving daughter and sister, peacefully left us on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at her home in Grand Rapids, MI. She headed for a better place to be with God and her Dad, Donald DenBraber. She will be missed so much by her mother, Tina DenBraber; brother, Brad (Trina) DenBraber; and sister, Cathay (Dave) Walejewski. Dawn adored her nephews, Justin and Jared Walejewski, Alec DenBraber, and niece, Elise DenBraber. They were held very precious in her heart. Dawn was plagued with medical problems her whole life, yet never complained. Not letting anything stop her, she received the Bausch-Lomb Award for achievement in science in high school. Dawn then went on to Albion College to graduate cum laude and reached out for her passion in science at Western Michigan University to become a Physician Assistant. Graduating at the head of her class, she was one of two students to receive an internship at Spectrum in surgery. Dawn’s sweet demeanor was perfect for listening to patients as a PA. She loved her work as it coincided with her love for helping people. Lifelong friends are a gift and Gayle, her adventurous buddy, was one of them as well as Sonya, her college PA friend and dear confidant. Dawn was loved by her Aunt Peggy and Uncle Norman and the whole Dale Family, Auntie Lo and Uncle Jim Hale and all of the Van PortFleet family. We would like to say a special thank you to all of Dawn’s doctors and nurses, especially those that cared for her and brightened her life at the Spectrum Infusion Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 24 at 11 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1951 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 with visitation one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dawn’s name to the Spectrum Health Foundation, Attn: Cancer Center, 100 Michigan St NE, MC004, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
4 Responses
Dearest DenBrabers, my heart just breaks with this news. I know it’s been awhile and over the years we grew apart, but the memories if all those picnics and family outings just came flooding back. Thank you all for making our childhoods so special. HUGS and prayers.
From 1 Corinthians 15: 55-57:
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dawn now has that victory.
Michael Zeddies
Sorry for your loss. May the Grace and Peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with your whole family
Such good childhood memories of our families together! Dawn was always so sweet, wish we would’ve stayed in touch through the years. Keeping you all in prayer during this most difficult time.