Waukesha – Dawn Ellen (nee: Osadsky) Kawa, 70, passed away peacefully at Seasons Hospice in Waukesha, on her favorite day of the year, December 24, 2011, surrounded by her loving family following a short yet courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born in Racine on May 19, 1941 to the late Willard and Beatrice Thompson. She was later adopted at age 11 by her late Aunt & Uncle, Paul and Venitta Osadsky.
Dawn was a 1959 graduate of Horlick High School. She worked at SC Johnson Wax before marrying the late John Kawa. Together they raised seven children. She volunteered many hours serving St. Sebastian’s school and parish, most notably as Parish Council President, Editor/Creator of the Crusader, and major contributor to the Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1980. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University in 1988, graduating as the top student in her class. While there, she was a free-lance editor for the Michigan State University Press. After returning to the area, she spent the last 20 years working at the Medical College of Wisconsin, most recently as a Research Program Coordinator supporting Emergency Medicine. Her efforts in this role resulted in the improved care of emergency medicine patients and helped save many lives. Dawn was an avid reader, excellent cook and baker of countless birthday cakes over the years. She supported many causes and was a patron of the Milwaukee Zoo and Chicago Art Institute. She loved going to the Wisconsin State Fair and looked forward to the annual autumn trip to Florence, WI. Above everything else, Dawn loved spending time with her family. Lovingly referred to as Amma, her children and grandchildren were the biggest joy in her life. She loved each one of them unconditionally and she was incredibly devoted to them. She embraced family traditions and created a celebration around every special occasion. She instilled in her children the importance of love and family, and she had the unique ability to make each loved one feel special.
Survivors include her loving partner, Jeff Jackson of Waukesha; her seven children, Kristine Kawa of Pleasant Prairie, Kay Kawa (Jay) Terry of Racine, Matthew (Cyndee) Kawa of Plymouth, Adam (Toula) Kawa of Bristol, Paul Kawa of Racine, Ellen (Jon) Olsen of Wind Lake, and Eileen (Greg) Holler of Union Grove; ten grandchildren, Emily Terry, Ethan and Lindsey Kawa, Sophia and AJ Kawa, Ryan, Abby, and Megan Olsen, and Erin and Justin Holler; and a brother, Gary Osadsky of Racine.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 29, 2011, 7 p.m. at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3035 Drexel Ave, Racine, WI with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service. A private interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Racine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dawn Kawa Memorial Fund, which will in turn go to the Brain Tumor Research Program – Dr. Connelly at the Froedtert Foundation.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Jennifer Connelly and her staff, Seasons Hospice RN Cheryl Wolff and staff, and Chaplain Steven Stern for their care and compassion during Dawn’s illness.
Jean Nelson says
Rest in peace dear friend. I will miss you. Save me a spot.
Love, Jean
Pete & Maxine Terry says
Kay – our thoughts and prayers to you and your whole family during this difficult time. She will be missed.
Izora says
We lost a lovely person. Dawn was like a mother to me. Ill never forget her. We had many laughs together. She had a brilliant mind and I learned so much from her. The memories will keep me going. —IB
Steven Stern says
Dear Members of Dawn’s family,
There have been many ups and downs and anxious moments for all of you over these past few months. You have loved Dawn as she loved you and that helped her to reach her destination and she helped you to find the strength you need to go on from here. Thank you for allowing me to witness that love in your family.
Chaplain Steve Stern
Tom and Anne Aufderheide says
Dawn’s commitment and dedication to improving emergency care through the Resuscitation Research Center was remarkable. Her many and substantial contributions to improving survival and outcome remains a lasting legacy. She was an absolute delight to know and pleasure to work with. I will miss her very much.
Christopher Sparks says
I am heartbroken for the loss of Dawn. She was like a special mother to me for the years I worked with her at the Medical College. I am sorry for your loss. I have a piece in knowing that Dawn is in heaven with Jesus! To the family please accept my sincere condolences!
Norma Alvarez says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Guy Gleisberg and Family says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I will always cherish my daily MCW popcorn walks with Dawn.
Donna Martin says
Dawn was a dear and special friend to me. She will always remain close to my heart. Her deep compassion, quiet intelligence, and love of family were a joy to behold. She was my role model and forever-friend. We lost her too soon, but her light will continue to shine. My deepest sympathy to Jeff and the entire family.
Garrett and Tricia Rees says
We were so sad to hear of Dawn’s incredible battle and ultimate passing. She was such a kind and loving person. This world has definitely lost a great soul while the next world has gained a true angel. Dawn treated us and our children like we were her own family. I always looked forward to the long walk down the “tunnel” to knock on her door. Dawn, you will always be missed, and you will never be forgotten. To her family, I wish you peace as you grieve. My life is better just having known her.
David Anderson says
Kay, my family and I wish to express our condolances you and your family. We want you to know we are praying God’s strength for your family during this time.
God Bless!!!!
David Anderson and Family