Obituary of Dawn Elizabeth Collins

Dawn Elizabeth Collins (Hanley) 59, Bridgewater, entered the arms of the Lord on January 16, 2009, as she passed away peacefully surrounded by the love and prayers of family and friends. Born at Dawson Memorial Hospital in Bridgewater, Dawn was a daughter of the late Harold Chesley and Dorothy Louise (Smith) Hanley. Dawn was well-known as a caring and empathetic woman who always had a hug, smile, or prayer for those in need. Her love of family was only exceeded by her love of God and her savior, Jesus Christ. Over the years, Dawn was known for her musical talent which was evident in her performances in the Bridgewater Hospital Chorus, the Bridgewater Baptist Church Choir, and as a local soloist. She loved working with the public, and spent the last fifteen years employed with many wonderful and caring people at Shopper’s Drug Mart. Dawn was also a community and church leader as demonstrated by her involvement as a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Board of Deacons, a Director of Daily Vacation Bible School, and a leader in Shut-In Visitation and the Encouragers Bible Study Group. Most recently, Dawn was working toward becoming a Lay Pastor and was only one semester short of completing this calling. Dawn was a faithful servant of the Lord and a witness for Christ, and passed away with the comfort and knowledge that the Lord would receive her. She is survived by her devoted husband of thirty-nine years John (William), her two sons Matthew James (Kathy) and Adam Michael (Teresa), Bridgewater; her sister Joanne Louise (Bob) Olive, New Minas; grandchildren Paige, Bailey, Ryleigh, Tyler, Zayne, and baby-to-be; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by an infant brother, James Albert, and her older brother Richard Brian ‘Bunnie’ Hanley of Bridgewater. Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Bridgewater Baptist Church, King Street and where service will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Rev Eric Campbell and Rev Sarah Scott officiating. lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shopper’s Drug Mart “Tree of Life” or the Bridgewater Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.