Dawn M. Frees passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at her home in Port St. Lucie, Fla. She was 86 years old.
Over several years, Dawn was diligent and meticulous in her treatment for multiple health issues arising from an autoimmune disease. The treatment for the latest complication was not expected to leave her with a favorable outcome.
She instead chose to go home and position herself in her favorite spot in her house where she read scripture every morning. She would gaze at her beautiful roses and stunning sunrises and sunsets.
It is there she said goodbye to family who was both present and on video calls. She opened her heart and mind and asked the Lord to take her home.
Visitation was held on July 30 at Smith, Seaman, and Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe. Your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated.
A funeral service will be held privately.
Burial will take place at Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Goshen. Her final resting place will be beside her husband, Willliam.
Daughter of Ernest and Louisa Swartout Campbell, she was born in Albany on Sept. 6, 1933.
She is survived by her children: Cheryl Rooney of Florida, N.Y.; Linda Diaz and her husband Ralph of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; James W. Frees and his wife Claudia, of Monroe; and Lori Montuori and her husband Patrick of Warwick. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Loretta Langdon of So. Westerlo; and by eight grandchildren: Tomas, Lindsay, Brian, Derek, Danielle, Michael, Julia and Collin; and by two great-grandchildren: Aiden, and Isabella. There are many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
In addition to her husband and parents, Dawn was predeceased by her sisters Helen Ingalls, Rita Flach and Erma Pettit.
Formerly of Monroe, Dawn went to work in the late 60’s in the local telephone company now known as Frontier Communications. She held several positions over many years and had fond memories, mostly of the people she worked with.
She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monroe for close to 50 years.
A year-round resident of Florida beginning 2007, Dawn was an active member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church. She attended weekly bible studies and often delivered flowers to the sick following Sunday services. She prepped, served and supported Sara’s soup kitchen, religiously.
She was notorious for her sewing abilities. Over the years she made a wedding gown and bridesmaid’s dresses for Cheryl’s wedding and more recently made patch quilts.
The grandchildren were the proud recipients of quilts, trick or treat bags, window valances, table runners, Christmas tree skirts, etc. These items will be treasured forever.
She was notorious for her cliches. One of them was: “You gotta make hay while the sunshines!”
She lived by these words and she’s telling us to do the same.
Memorial donations may be made in Dawn’s name to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 21 Still Road, Monroe, NY 10950.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185; www.ssqfuneralhome.com).