Dawne Gail (Lachowecki) Bartholic, 71, of Indian Harbour Beach FL, passed away on Tuesday, July 15 peacefully in her sleep after a long battle of early onset Alzheimer's.

Dawne was born to the late Joseph and Teresa Lachowecki in August 1953 in Connecticut.  She grew up in Moosup, CT and graduated from Plainfield High School.  She married her sweetheart, the late Thomas Bartholic Sr, and they settled in Central Village, CT and Canterbury, CT before relocating to Florida in 1990.  The day she met Tom, when she was only 15 years old, she went home and told her mother that she had just met the man she was going to marry...and she did!

Dawne was a stay-at-home Mom for 12 years and attended Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson, CT and Brevard Community College in Melbourne, FL to study business.  Over the years, Dawne worked as a Secretary, Processing Operator, Bookkeeping Assistant, Hospitality Supervisor, Store Manager, and Cake Decorator.

She was an active member of St Mark's Methodist Church, and she and Tom studied to become Stephen Ministers where they counseled people in need. They volunteered their time at church and to patrons that did not have family close by and needed assistance. They treated everyone like they were family and blessed so many people.

Dawne was very creative and skilled in crochet, stained glass, painting, card making, macrame, and beaded jewelry making, just to name a few.  She loved to play games and was the type of Grandma that got down on the floor and played, she is the one we would tell to behave, not the kids!

She loved the beach and collecting shells.  She also loved to read and had an extensive collection of books that she read covering all genres and topics.  She had a bubbly personality and was so fun to be around.  Dawne was also thoughtful and had a kind, generous heart.  Her smile lit up a room and her laughter was contagious.

Dawne is survived by her daughter, Rebecca of West Palm Beach, FL, son Thomas Jr of Indian Harbour Beach, FL, her beloved dog Shane, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, sisters Veronica and Linda, and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sister Elaine.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.