Dawn M. VanDresar, age 70, of Rome, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Rome Health.

Dawn was born in Rome on October 7, 1955, to the late Stuart and Anna May Kenneally VanDresar and graduated from RFA in 1973. She dedicated her career to caring for others as a registered nurse at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where she eventually retired as the Nurse Manager of the Oncology Unit. Throughout her career, Dawn was respected for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her patients and colleagues.

Dawn's life was a beautiful blend of curiosity, creativity, and wholehearted devotion to the people and places she loved. Whether she was at her piano letting music fill the room, practicing yoga with her characteristic calm focus, or biking along her favorite trails, she embraced each day with energy and joy. Her happiest moments were often spent at her camp in Old Forge, a place that reflected her spirit-peaceful, warm, and full of life.

After her retirement, one of Dawn's greatest joys was her family. When she learned her great-great-nephew, Eric, was on the way, she eagerly embraced her new role with excitement and love. Following Eric's autism diagnosis, Dawn dedicated herself to learning everything she could about autism so she could better understand, support, and encourage him. She became one of his biggest cheerleaders, celebrating every milestone, advocating for his success, and reminding him-and everyone around him-that his potential was limitless. Her love extended to all of her great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart and was deeply loved by her.

Dawn cherished her family deeply, finding her greatest fulfillment in time shared together. She also cared passionately about her community and remained actively involved in local politics, fueled by a lifelong love of political science. She was a strong and persistent advocate for women's equality, believing every woman deserved an equal voice, equal opportunities, and the chance to lead. She approached those beliefs with intelligence, conviction, and respect, inspiring those around her to become informed, engaged, and compassionate citizens. Her presence was steady, thoughtful, and full of heart, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, engagement, courage, and genuine connection.

Dawn is survived by her sisters, Pamela VanDresar and Coleen (Karol Snyder) Price; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and many lifelong friends whom she adored and appreciated throughout the years. She was predeceased by her sister, Darlene VanDresar; her brothers, Carl, Thomas, James, and Stuart Jr. VanDresar; and her beloved cats, Gracie, Sarah, and Emily.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 28, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, 200 N. James Street. Her remains will be laid to rest in St. Peter's Cemetery following the Mass.

There are no calling hours.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome.

Please offer online condolences at: www.barryfuneralhome.com.