Obituary of Dawn M. Steele

Dawn M. Van Slyke Steele, born November 11, 1936 passed away Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, NY. She was the daughter of Roy Van Slyke and Helen Travis Van Slyke. She was educated in Gloversville and Johnstown school districts and also attended the Grace New Haven Hospital School of Nursing in New Haven, CT. She worked for many years in area hospitals and nursing homes until 1962, she also worked for Mohawk Cabinets and finally for UNI Distribution until her retirement in 1998 after 30 years. Dawn leaves behind her seven loving children: Joseph Passino of Perth, John Steele of Johnstown, Ivy Steele Pierce of Northville, Jacqueline Beach James on North Bangor, NY and Gena Steele Jackson of Broadalbin, Salina Barlow Proulx Steve and Steven Barlow; 14 grandchildren: Stacy and Melissa Steele, Katelynn and Michael Beach, Natalia and Robert Passino, Zachary Pierce, Brandy, Ashley and Elizabeth Jackson, Benjamin, Katherine and Gabrielle Proulx and Lisa McMillan as well as her first great-grandchild, Ayden James Beach. Also surviving are two sisters: Roylene Van Slyke Wilson and Alvina Mosher Art of Gloversville and cousin Cal Dennie Joan and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, step-mother Edna Van Slyke, brothers Van and Richard Van Slyke and sister Jeanette Maxon. She loved the outdoors, snowmobiling and riding four-wheelers. She stayed active for many years and was a donor of pheresis for the American Red Cross and helped speak out on the benefits to cancer patients and people with blood disorders. Her children and grandchildren were the loves of her life and her pride and joy. Her children could not have asked for a better mother. She was unselfish in her love and devotion to them and her presence in their lives will be greatly missed. The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 4 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. L. David Almleaf officiating. Cremation will follow with final interment to take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.