Julia ‘Dawn’ Ceren

Age 61, passed away on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 from a rare adrenal carcinoma.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband Patrick Foley, her parents, and her four beloved huskies. She will be forever missed by her son David Foley; her brother Al (Mary) Ceren; sisters Beverly Marshall, Laura (Donald) Duzinskas, Robin (John) Demos; her orange tabby Leo; and many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

 

Dawn was raised in Hinsdale, Illinois, before she moved to Downers Grove after meeting the love of her life Pat. Dawn and Pat expanded their duo into a trio in the summer of 2000 with their only child David. After Patrick’s passing, Dawn, in the midst of her grief, gathered more inner strength than anyone thought possible and raised David with endless amounts of love, support, and guidance.

 

Dawn was a straightforward and kind woman with the biggest pastry sweet tooth you’ve ever seen. She was bright and warm with a sarcastic wit that had those around her keeling over more often than not. Her wonderful smile and sharp laugh could thaw any harsh winter. Her quiet wisdom and calm demeanor made her such a steady force that all that turned to her with unrest in their hearts were soothed instantly.

 

She spent her time finding the tiniest nooks and crannies to explore and taste, always bringing someone special with her. When she baked her famous cookies, bread, and holiday pastries, she made it a point to triple her recipes in order to fill the bellies of everyone that crossed her path. Her crystal collection could make any geologist weep with envy just like her diligence with her yard work made her property a pleasure to encounter.

 

So rare it is to be blessed with someone like Dawn in your life, not only a sister but a best friend, not simply a mom but a confidant, not just a woman but a lifeline. A dear friend to many and absolute sunshine to all. She gave everything she was to the people she loved the most and all that knew her are made better for it. She was a wash of tie dye in a monochrome world and if love alone could have saved her she would have lived forever.

 

There is no end to the depths of our pain from this loss, the world that was once blessed with a soul like Dawn now mourns the absence of her light. Her family draws comfort from the unshakable fact that she will live on in the lives she made better.

 

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Dawn’s life is pending, with details to come.

 

The family is putting together a Memorial Fund currently, please hold donations and anything else until a later date.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Downers Grove at 630-964-6500.