Dawn Marie Heberlein

Dawn Marie Heberlein, 67, from Greenville, FL, passed away unexpectedly at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on Feb 24, 2025, due to complications from an upper respiratory infection. Dawn was born in Melbourne, FL, in 1957 to Auttis and Norma Cox.

She worked as a nurse for 24 years before retiring in 2021. Before nursing, she ran the family furniture business in Winter Haven, FL. Dawn went to Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne and later studied nursing at Polk Community College with her daughter Laura. They both graduated in 1997.

During her younger days, Dawn loved to play softball, go scuba diving to get lobsters, and her happiest place was at the beach. She loved the East Coast beaches because of the beautiful sunrises and the big waves.

She started having children at a young age and they were her life. Her daughter, Laura, was her best friend. They grew up together. She also had another daughter, Jessica, and a son, Matthew, who were both born with a terminal lung disease called Cystic Fibrosis. She was an avid organ donor supporter because Matt had a liver transplant and Jess had a double lung transplant, in which gave her more precious time with her children. The time she spent at doctor’s offices and hospitals as well as the medical care at home is what drove her to become a nurse. It was her passion. She was an amazing patient advocate.

In 2010, Dawn met Dale Heberlein through online dating. They started as friends, as both were at similar points in their lives with Dale having recently lost his first wife to cancer. Their friendship turned into something more after Dawn interviewed Dale for a grief counseling assignment. They got married on March 16th, 2012, at Point Arena Lighthouse in California. A lighthouse location was special because of the many years Dale spent in the Coast Guard.

Their love for each other and their family was evident in the way they seamlessly integrated their lives, always making sure to create special moments and memories together with many family gatherings. They enjoyed road trips, exploring new destinations, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as watching sunrises on the beach or sunsets on the lake and sharing laughter over home-cooked meals.

Dawn and Dale created a blended family of their own, and their children and grandchildren meant the world to them. Dawn has three children of her own, Laura, Jess and Matt. She is survived by Laura who lives in Lakeland, FL. Matt passed away in 1996 and Jess in 2020. Dale has two children of his own, Lea who lives in Land O’Lakes, FL Keith who lives in Williamsburg, MA. Dale and Dawn brought everyone together as one family.

Though she loved travel, the beach, and caring for others, Dawn’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. She treasured her time with their grandkids and loved being their Grandma, never failing to speak her mind and encourage them. Her grandchildren are Brad, Jude, Sawyer, Savannah, Madolin, and Kai. She was their biggest fan!

Dale and her recently finished their small dream home located on some property in Northern Florida.

They had a vision together and turned it into a reality. She had a knack for making a house a home.

Dawn’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her family, touching the hearts of friends and neighbors alike. She was known for her warm smile, generous heart, and the ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. Whether it was hosting gatherings, sharing her culinary delights, or simply offering a listening ear, Dawn created an atmosphere of warmth and kindness that enveloped all who knew her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to resonate through the lives she touched, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed here however we have some small comfort knowing she has been reunited with her children, parents, and brother.