Dawn Eileen Kucera

Dawn was born July 26, 1943, in Chicago, IL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenwoodmempark.com for the Kucera family.

She is preceded in death by her youngest son, Justin K. Dumas, her mother, Dorothy Kucera, her lifetime and legal father, Donald Kucera, and her biological father, Earl Church.

She is survived by her (3) living children, Juliana Cain (Darrell Cain), Lee Dumas (Louise McBrearty), and Damon Dumas (Joy Dumas). She is also survived by her brothers, Darryl Kucera (Sheila Kucera), Dwayne Kucera, and her sister, Debbie Keelan (Mark Keelan). Dawn is further memorialized by (11) grandchildren, (8) great- grandchildren (and counting!), and close friends and extended family.

Dawn was a lifetime friend and supporter of everyone and anyone in need. She completed her Bachelor's degree in her 60s and worked for over a decade in her later years as a fully certified drug rehabilitation counselor. She was also a lifelong MOTHER, always focused and concerned about her CHILDREN and those whom she loved..

Dawn was very intelligent, well-read, and well-spoken. Her overarching message, while active in her life, to her children, and to all those she loved, seemed to be COMPASSION for others. She instilled this well into her children and lived most of her life trying to be helpful to others, even to her own detriment at times.

Mom was a FIGHTER- she struggled for many, many years, in some of the main aspects of life- physically, financially, mentally- but she ALWAYS rose up, saw the challenges through and came out the other side OK. She made the most out of the least, as a matter of course.

There is no doubt that her incredibly strong SPIRIT and SOUL will live on beyond us here on Earth. She'll always be remembered for being quick to laugh, always up for a good joke, or story, or to do or wear something silly to make us laugh.

Dawn had a WILD streak, and in her younger years, she was quite adventurous, in terms of meeting new people, having an undying wanderlust to see as much of this world as she could, and fearlessly exploring new neighborhoods, cultures, and people, pushing the boundaries of societal norms regarding race, class, and acceptance.

She left her children, and this world, with a rich sense of humility and compassion, but also the confidence to question people and things that don't appear fair or equal to the folks involved. To Champion for the little guy. And to never stop LOVING.

The quote that comes to mind when we think of the amazing life of this unique woman:

"We are only as strong as the LEAST of us!"

Rest in Peace Mama. We'll be home to see you soon. We LOVE you!!