Dawn Marie Shultz, 77

December 20, 2023

Dawn Marie Hawkins Shultz, age 77, passed away on December 20, 2023, surrounded by the love of friends and family. The daughter of John Hawkins and Jacqueline Keemer, Dawn graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School with the class of 1964. In 1966, she furthered her education by earning an associate degree in business administration from Goldey Beacom College.

A devoted friend and family member, Dawn always extended warmth and care to those around her, particularly to her mother and grandmother during their late stages of life. For over two decades, Dawn dedicated herself to creating holiday memories filled with love and laughter, preparing and hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas events for extended family and friends.

Her commitment to family was also felt in her active participation in her children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and theater events, where her presence was a constant source of support and encouragement.

Dawn also found fulfillment in contributing to her native Lancaster community. She served as a teacher’s assistant in the IU13 Early Intervention program and generously shared her time as a volunteer reading instructor in the School District of Lancaster. You could often find Dawn at Lancaster Central Market, where she enjoyed talking with the many standholders she befriended over the years.

Dawn had many diverse interests through the years. She earned medals as a competitive race walker and participated in events in New York City’s Central Park, the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., and in the 36-mile Brandywine Trail Race. She also served as an aerobics instructor. Dawn had a passion for design and would create floral arrangements for friends and family as well as lend a helping hand when anyone needed some interior design advice. And it was common to hear Dawn sing along to her favorite 1950s and 1960s songs whenever they came on the radio.

Dawn is survived by her loving husband, James Shultz; her daughter, Allison Turner and her husband Philip Baron; her son Jonathan Shultz and his wife Kristin Timanus; her grandsons, Jackson and Ryan Turner; her half-sister, Phyllis Eshleman; her cousin, Sandra Brisson; and her sisters-in-law, Kristine Herr-Watt and Tracy Shultz Miller. Dawn’s legacy of compassion, generosity, and unwavering love will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her memory. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.