Dawn Marie LaVancha

LOWVILLE- Dawn Marie LaVancha 60, formerly of New York State Route 812, passed away on November 17, 2024 at Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her siblings, Blanche (Jim) Trainham of Lowville; Charles (Rosemary) LaVancha of Harrisville; Lloyd LaVancha of Harrisville; Floyd LaVancha of Colorado; a sister in-law, Maureen LaVancha of Watertown; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.  She was predeceased by her father, Everett LaVancha; her mother, Harriet Datoush LaVancha; a brother, Leroy LaVancha; and a niece, Patricia A. Trainham.

Dawn was born on August 11, 1964, in Gouverneur, a daughter of the late Everett W. and Harriet B. Datoush LaVancha and graduated from Harrisville Central School.  She worked at the ARC workshop, attended daycare at Lewis County General Hospital, and attended Day Hab at the ARC. 

Dawn enjoyed going on outings with the DPAO and bowled on the Monday night Special Needs League.  She enjoyed coloring, doing crafts, listening to music, and watching movies, especially Grease.  Dawn blessed many people in her life, she was a ray of sunshine.  Dawn was aware of people’s feelings and was very compassionate.  She and her friends, Ricky Harwood and Alex Cohen would get up at church and sing a “special” for her church family.  Dawn and friends would sing “Jesus Loves Me” and Dawn would sign the song in sign language.  She fondly remembered her parents being in heaven and would join them someday, but not today.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Iseneker Funeral Home, 5702 Waters Road, Lowville, with Pastor Nate Patnode officiating.  A calling hour will begin at 11:00 a.m. before the service at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow the service before burial at New Bremen Fire Department.  Food donations may be taken directly to the New Bremen Fire Department beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.  Please call Cathy Martin at 315-771-0485 regarding making a food donation for the luncheon.  Burial will be in Harrisville Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

Condolences may be made to Dawn’s family online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com .

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.