Hildreth Elementary School nurse, avid antiquer, lover of nature
Dawn French. (Courtesy photo)
Dawn French, 62, a beloved member of the Harvard community and cherished friend to many, died of cancer Dec. 13, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and warmth that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her.
Dawn was a longtime resident of Harvard, where she made a significant impact as the dedicated school nurse at Hildreth Elementary. Her commitment to the well-being of her students and the staff was unwavering, and she played an instrumental role in their lives, offering not only medical care but also a comforting presence that made a lasting impression on those she cared for.
Beyond her profession, Dawn had a passion for life that was evident in her various interests.
An avid antiquer, she found joy in finding an authentic piece of McCoy pottery for a good deal. Her green thumb was well known among friends and family as she spent time tending to her flower garden, creating a haven of beauty. The lucky ones who benefited from Dawn’s love of cooking will miss her delicious culinary creations and her genuine enthusiasm for food.
Dawn is survived by her two loving children, Maeve French and Liam French of Harvard, who were the absolute lights of her life. Dawn is also survived by her wonderful pet companions, Lola, Lacey, Buttercup, Bare, and her granddog Remington. When a nurse in the hospital stated quizzically, “You love your pets?” Dawn replied, “I adore them.” Dawn was a lover of nature and animals.
Dawn is remembered by her siblings, Jimma Lindberg and her husband, Knute, of Amherst, New Hampshire; Lori MacNeil of Greenland, New Hampshire; and Byrne MacNeil and his wife, Barbara, of Westford, all of whom shared a deep bond with her. Dawn is also remembered by many dear friends and family from near and far. She often reminisced about her time spent in Nova Scotia with family and expressed great gratitude for the most recent visit she took with her brother, Byrne, to reconnect with the people and place.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m., at the Congregational Church of Harvard, where friends, family, and community members will gather to celebrate her life and the positive impact she had on those around her. The family invites all who knew Dawn to join them in remembering a remarkable woman whose kindness, generosity, and love touched the lives of many. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in Dawn’s name to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
