Dawn Claire D. Markowski, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Saturday October 3, 2015 at Avery Heights Nursing Care Center in Hartford after a lengthy illness. She was the wife of John E. Markowski, Jr., her loving husband of 49 years. Born on February 5, 1943 in New Britain, she was the only child of the late Arthur and Sophie (Prusik) Doyle. Dawn was a graduate of Berlin High School, class of 1961. She worked for the Travelers and for many years as a bookkeeper for several businesses in Meriden. Dawn was the Treasurer of the Silver City Quarter Midget Club in the 1970's, as her son John III raced around the track on the weekends. Her many interests include bowling, she had (1) 300 game in league play, sewing arts, NASCAR racing, watching Patriots football and Jeopardy. She especially enjoyed spending time laughing with loved ones. Dawn loved the colors amethyst, purple and turquoise. Her favorite food was fresh salmon with lemon and dill. During the summer months she looked forward to sitting in her garden waiting for the butterflies to arrive. Dawn is survived by her only son, John E. Markowski III; daughter-in-law, Leigh Anne (Mehldau) and 2 beautiful granddaughters: Elaina Leigh and Amelia Claire whom she endearingly nicknamed Munchkin and Bam-Bam. Dawn had special moments with Elaina reading stories and drawing pictures. She is also survived by her loving cousin, Barbara Jean Sawicki; two brothers-in-law: Thomas Markowski and his wife Susan, their daughters Leslie and Sara all of Meriden; William Markowski and his wife Margaret and their daughters Meghan and Mary all of Southington; sister-in-law Martha Jurek, her husband Timothy and son David of FL and many cousins, friends and neighbors who hold her close in their hearts. She treasured the role of mother and unofficially adopted several neighborhood children as her own. Dawn became unofficial Mom to Peter Vargas Mas, James Janisczak, and Sharon Nowakowski while growing up with her son, John. To this day, Dawn is still "Mom" to many. We wish her endless love and peace as she now joins her mother, whom she has missed greatly over the years, and her beloved dog, Clancey. The family wishes to send a special acknowledgment to her sister-in-law Martha Jurek and close friend, Linda Haney. Her funeral will be held on Thursday October 8th at 9:15 a.m. from the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden, when the funeral cortege will proceed to St. Paul Church, 485 Alling St., Kensington for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday October 7th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Dawn Markowski may be made to St. Paul Church, 467 Alling St., Kensington, CT 06037, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104-2396 or Shriners Hospital for Children Burn Center Office of Development, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114-2699.