Dawn Mireski, age 59, of Mount Olive, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Dawn was born July 23, 1962, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is the daughter of Kathryn (Kay) Diedrich and the late Darby Diedrich. She is preceded in death by her dear husband, Robert (Bob) Mireski.
Dawn first lived in Minnesota and moved to Mount Olive, NJ, at a young age. She graduated from Mount Olive High School in 1980 and attended Kutztown University (Class of ’84), where she met her husband of 36 years, Bob Mireski.
After college, Dawn moved back to Mount Olive, where she became a special education teacher at the high school. Dawn’s teaching career spanned 36 years, and she recently retired in August 2021. Dawn’s commitment to her students was evident – she coached cheerleading and track and field, served as a class advisor for many years, ran clubs after school, helped with robotics, organized fundraisers, and chaperoned proms and trips around the world. Dawn’s favorite by far was working with the Drama Club. Dawn’s outstanding work with students did not go unnoticed, and she was awarded Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year and Mount Olive Teacher of the Year in 1991.
Dawn had a keen sense of humor and a true gift for fun. She loved to play pranks and kept everyone on their toes. She was creative and helped to make every aspect of work enjoyable. She influenced and changed the lives of thousands of students over the years, but her unmatched kindness, loving spirit, and heart of gold put her in a league of her own.
The only thing she loved more than teaching was her family. When her three girls arrived, Dawn devoted her time to their countless soccer, lacrosse, and football games, track and field events, dance competitions, recitals, and Girl Scouts. At these events, Dawn met many amazing families who turned into lifelong friends.
When Dawn was diagnosed with a brain tumor and colon cancer on New Year’s Day 2021, she spent 45 days between Morristown Hospital and Kessler Rehab Center. Dawn’s positive spirits did not wane even though she could have no visitors due to COVID-19. Throughout many rounds of chemo and radiation, Dawn took the bull by the horns and never let cancer make her feel defeated. She inspired everyone she met along her journey and made sure those around her were having fun and laughing while navigating adversity.
Dawn was full of life. She loved to travel and vacation with family and friends, especially shore trips to Long Beach Island, cruises, and trips to Miami. She loved gatherings with family and friends, cheering for her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide, shopping, doing puzzles, playing games, watching movies, as well as her favorite shows: Chrisley Knows Best, Impractical Jokers, and anything Bravo, especially the Housewives. We sometimes wondered if she was auditioning for the Real Housewives of Mount Olive because she was always dressed to the nines and her hair was always perfect!
She made everyone feel loved and special and lit up every room she walked into. Her contagious laugh could be heard miles away. We will remember her fun spirit and quick-witted personality. Dawn loved her family more than anything and while her presence may be gone, the mark she left on this world will live on forever.
She is survived by her daughters Morgan, Cassie, and Hailey Mireski, son-in-law Jaren Sina, grandson Brayden Robert, mother Kay Diedrich, sister Dana Herbert, brothers- and sisters-in-law: Andy Herbert, Kim Mott, Mike Pocquat, David, Michael, and Sharon Mireski, mother-in-law, Joyce Mireski, late father-in-law, Robert “Butch” Mireski, nieces and nephews: Emily and Cody Mott, Zach and Alex Herbert, Mykaela Pocquat, and Michael Mireski and Tegan Tishey.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, December 27, at Cochran Funeral Home in Hackettstown, NJ, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:15 AM.
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Shelly LaBarre says
December 21, 2021 at 8:09 pmDawn was the sweetest, kindest and such a fun loving soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Mireski family.
Mary Anne Hannon says
December 22, 2021 at 12:45 amYou are going to be so missed. You have touched my life and countless others. May you rest easy now with Bob. Send us signs in the theatre to let us know you’re there. Sincere sympathy to Morgan,Cassie and Hailey.
Love and Peace-
Mary Anne Hannon and the Hannon Family..
Jan says
December 22, 2021 at 7:25 pmWe all were so saddened to hear of Dawn’s passing. She was an amazing person and we loved seeing her in the office! Our sympathies to Joyce, the girls and the entire family! We know you have been through alot too. May she rest in peace and know she was loved and made a difference to many!!
EVERYONE at Dr Paulussen’s office
Laura A Simonetti says
December 22, 2021 at 10:10 pmDawn truly was such a special person, so fun loving, warm and welcoming. She touched so many lives. Our deepest condolences to Morgan, Cassie and Hailey. Your mom’s spirit lives on in all of you ❤️.
The Simonetti Family
Ginny Doyle says
December 26, 2021 at 4:15 pmDawn certainly made a positive impact on all who had the honor of knowing her. Her fun loving and playful nature left us all with many great memories. Her gift will live on in each of you girls, whom she loved more than anything…We were all blessed to have her in our lives.
Carol A. Lebo says
December 28, 2021 at 3:26 pmDeepest condolence to Dawn’s family on the passing of Dawn. She was a real sweetheart. Would have been proud to have had her as a daughter.
We remember her during her high school years.
Carol and Dale Lebo
Denise says
December 31, 2021 at 7:18 pmWe are so saddened by this news! Both of your parents were wonderful people who definitely left too soon.
Condolences to all of her family,
Sincerely the Greco’s
Danielle Eskow says
January 9, 2022 at 2:07 amSo sorry for the loss of Dawn. My heart and prayers go out to her family. She was a great person to work with as a staff member at My. Olive High School . May she RIP and she will be forever missed.
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