Dawn Marie Decastro

Dawn passed peacefully on September 17, 2025, after battling several health struggles for many years. She was the daughter of George and Marguerite Payne and was born in Oneonta, New York on January 28, 1942. She came from a large and loving family consisting of seven sisters and two brothers. From a young age, Dawn was immersed in the Salvation Army community, and she attended training school to go into the ministry. During this time, she met Cyrus (Tim) DeCastro. Dawn and nm were married in Newburgh, New York in 1964. They raised three children together and lived in many locations throughout Tim’s career of 30 years in the US Air Force. Dawn served faithfully as his military spouse and was a successful Tupperware manager in NJ and CA. Tim’s career took their family to England, Hawaii, South Carolina, and New Jersey, until finally retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant in Southern California in 1991. Tim and Dawn relocated to Hawaii and enjoyed working as residence managers for The Salvation Army Silvercrest, a senior living community. Dawn and Tim enjoyed a second retirement from The Salvation Army as Lieutenants, before moving back to the mainland (Colorado & Arizona) to be closer to family.

Dawn was a loving mother and supportive wife. She was soft-spoken, patient, kind, and trusting. She was a wonderful listener, and she had many friends all over the world. Dawn had a quiet strength and was more than willing to take a back seat to allow others to shine and be

recognized. That is who she was, putting everyone else’s needs first. She loved attending her family’s annual Payne Reunion in upstate NY, as she was very close to her siblings. Family visits were one of her favorite times and she said she loved living in Hawaii and Colorado the most. Dawn also enjoyed reading, writing letters to family & friends, collecting all things cardinal birds, receiving pictures from grandkids, doing word-search & crossword puzzles, playing with her grand-kitties, watching Fall leaves, sunsets, and most importantly- serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dawn is survived by her children- Suzanne, Timothy (& Amy), and Shari (& Mark); her grandchildren- Michael (& Maria), Steven (& Kayley), Andrea (& Brad), Connor (& Leah), Leandra (& Jordan), Angelo Jr, Grace, Meagan, and Jenni (& Jim); her great-grandchildren- Lily, Willow, Ezra, Alaric, Caleb, and Zechariah; her sisters- Joyce, Marlene, Barb, Jan, Deb, & Pat, and brothers Don & Bill, along with many beloved in-laws and generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dawn will be reunited with her husband of 60 years, Tim, who passed away on November 14,

2024 and many close family and friends who were taken away too soon. Dawn will be missed for her faith, smile, warmth, generosity, and sly humor. Rest in Peace, Morning Glory, and we’ll be comforted knowing you’re watching over us every time we see a cardinal in our surroundings.

The family of Dawn DeCastro wish to thank the tremendous care teams of True North Hospice & Palliative Care in Phoenix, especially nurses Vickie, Brianna, and Holly, and the daily care team from Alaga Residential Assisted Living in Surprise, especially nurses Gloria and Lili. Everyone on both care teams have demonstrated wonderful patience and compassion. We are very grateful.

Dawn’s memorial service will be held in Hopewell Junction, New York, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Please contact Shari at [email protected] for forthcoming information. Thank you.