“Look at the stars, Look how they shine for you, and everything you do”
Dawn Jara (Dr. Dawn) passed away peacefully at home on Sept 14TH, 2023 surrounded by her family after a courageous and tenacious battle with colon cancer. This tenacity, love for life and love of family served her well as she bravely fought for more time to do the things and be with the people she loved. Dawn was born the eldest child of Craig and Donna Browell of Northford, CT. She was married to Jose Jara of Cuenca, Ecuador and loving mother to Javier and Nicolas Jara. She is survived by countless family members and friends. Dawn graduated from Southern CT State University in 2007 with a degree in Public Health, but later found her passion in teaching Special Education, earning her Master’s degree from Southern CT, and ultimately earning her Doctoral Degree from North Central University. She taught for 16 years at Fairfield’s Warde High School as both a special education teacher and Department liaison. Dawn was a well loved and respected educator, integral in the lives of many students and their educational successes. Outside of the classroom, Dawn could most often be found at a soccer field, watching her two boys shine. An avid lover of the game, Dawn enjoyed sharing this passion with her boys, and taking them to games whenever possible. Hot fudge brownie sundaes with Chocolate Marshmallow ice cream, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with her family, including her nieces and nephews were all a big part of the life she loved so much. She loved a good murder mystery or spending time outdoors. Most of her adventures ended with delicious food like thai drunken noodles, spanish papusas, or her uncles’ tomato sauce.
The visiting hours will be Monday, September 25, 2023 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue with a service directly after. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial account for her boys. Venmo @JaraBoysFund
“Look at the stars, Look how they shine for you, and everything you do”
The stars shine a little brighter today with you among them.
Our hearts are broken and the sidelines will never be the same without you! All our love to Jose, Javi, and Nicolas. She will always be cheering for you!
Now who is going to text me at 2 am to bring brownie sundaes or drunken noodles?
Loreen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Wishing peace to you and your family.
So sad to hear of Dawn’s passing. We had many great memories in high school (cheerleading, senior trip to Tampa, car rides with the music blasting…) May you rest easy. Sending my love to your family.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are will your family.
You were such a bright light! We know your light will continue to shine as you watch over Jose and your boys from heaven. Your story will live on in your boys. Sleep in peace Dawn, gone way to soon but you left a huge impact on all of us. 🩵💙🤍
I am incredibly shocked to hear of Dawn’s passing. She was the most incredibly giving and happy person. Her smile and her laugh I can still hear. Many prayers to her family. I will never forget the friendship we had. Rest in Peace Dawniebear 💐💐💐
I’m so sorry for your whole families loss. I had so many great memories with Dawn growing up.
My heart is broken with you all. Beautiful, sweet, kind hearted Dawn.. I remember Dawn and Shelly photocopying the kids hand prints and how much they loved her! You all hanging out having fun. Prayers for the boys and her wonderful husband. 💔❤️💖🫂
We are so sorry for loss our thoughts and prayers to your family
Heaven has a new angel. Rest easy Dawn Marie. ❤️
Dawn was a lovely person to work with as we handled many transitions of my middle schoolers to the high school. She was caring, thoughtful, and kind, and was a respected teacher in our school community. I am sadden to hear of her loss, and my heart and prayers go out to her family as I am sure she will be missed.
Dear Craig, Donna Craig Maureen and Shawn and families…
I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of Dawn’s passing… My memories go back to West Haven Church of God when they were all small children… And then they grew up at their families… I send you all my deepest sympathy and condolences and you are all in my prayers… Much love,Lisa
Dear Craig,Donna,Shawn, and Loreen
So Sorry for your loss. Dawn, such a beautiful person. My
Prayers and love are with you during this most difficult time.
So thankful for the hope we have in Jesus that we will see her again in heaven.
so very sorry to hear this, my love and prayers are with the whole family
So sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for you all, and especially her sons, that God will wrap his comforting and loving arms around you and hold you all in this season.
We’re so sorry Loreen, Dan, Josiah, Zoe and Family. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Praying for God’s comfort peace strength joy hope love and healing to consume each of you at every moment you need it. We’re here for you all for whatever is needed. ❤️
I want to express my deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. Dawn was my son’s case manager at Warde High School for 4 years. She was an incredible teacher, mentor, and advocate who left a profound impact on our lives.
Dawn saw the potential in my son beyond his special needs and encouraged him to excel academically. Her belief in the “small wins” and her unwavering support were transformative. We are blessed to have had Dawn in our lives for those four years, and her lessons will linger for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Our hearts are broken for you all, especially those boys. We are so sorry for your loss, its truly inconceivable.
“Heartbreak may be the very essence of being human, of being on the journey from here to there, and of coming to care deeply for what we find along the way.” ~David Whyte
Thank you my friend for being someone I cared deeply about along the way. I promise to use all you taught me in my life and in my work. xo