Dawn Marie Robinson

Dawn Marie Robinson, 64, of Old Town, Maine, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center following a courageous battle with COPD. She was born on May 17, 1962, in Lincoln, Maine, to Juanita (Walker) and Ernest "Claydene" Robinson.

As a young girl, Dawn moved with her family from Lincoln, Maine, to Meriden, Connecticut, where she spent much of her life, built lasting friendships, and welcomed her three children into the world. In the mid 1990s, her adventurous spirit called her home to Maine, where she found peace in the forests, the coastline, and the simple beauty of nature.

Dawn was a true free spirit whose heart was never meant to fit inside the ordinary. In her younger years, she chased music and adventure, following the Grateful Dead on tour and embracing a life guided more by experience than by destination. That same untamed spirit eventually led her to the woods of Maine, where she found home among the lilacs, towering trees, and the animals she loved so deeply.

She found magic and memory in the natural world. A soaring eagle, a quiet deer stepping from the woods, or the stillness of a forest trail often felt like gentle reminders that those she loved were never truly far away. Those moments connected her to the memory of her father, whose love and guidance remained with her always, and to the great love of her life, Tony Antolini, whose presence she continued to feel long after he was gone.

Her love for animals extended beyond her home and into her work. As a veterinary technician, she devoted herself to caring for creatures great and small with the same compassion she carried throughout her life. She later spent years working in and around Bar Harbor, choosing jobs that allowed her to meet new people, soak in the beauty of the Maine coast, and spend as much time outdoors as possible. She never met a stranger and had a way of making people feel welcome wherever she went.

Over the years, she opened her heart to every creature imaginable. Dogs, cats, horses, a potbellied pig, pet deer, and countless other animals all found love in her care. She believed every living thing deserved kindness, and her home reflected that belief. Whether tending her gardens, admiring blooming lilacs, or simply sitting outside surrounded by nature, she found joy in life's simplest gifts.

She also had a remarkable gift for making people feel remembered. Thoughtful and endlessly generous, she was always on the lookout for a little treasure that reminded her of someone she loved. Whether it was a carefully chosen trinket, a thoughtful surprise, or a simple gesture of kindness, she delighted in letting people know they were on her mind. Sun catchers filled her windows, scattering tiny rainbows throughout her home, a quiet reflection of the light she found in everyday moments and so effortlessly shared with others.

If you were lucky enough to know Dawn, chances are you left with a story, a smile, a small unexpected gift, or simply the feeling that you mattered to her.

One of the greatest joys of Dawn's life was being "Nana." She helped raise her beloved granddaughter, Tanner, and treasured every moment they shared. Her grandchildren were among her greatest blessings, and loving them came as naturally to her as loving every person and animal fortunate enough to cross her path.

Caring for others was woven into the fabric of who Dawn was. She lovingly cared for her parents in their later years, stood beside her daughter Amy throughout her cancer treatments, and treasured sharing her home with Amy and Tanner. Whether tending to family, friends, animals, or those simply in need of a helping hand, she gave of herself freely, never asking for recognition, only hoping to make life a little lighter for someone else. Whether the one needing care walked on two legs or four, Dawn's heart always found its way to those who needed her most.

Her bond with her sister Linda was one of life's greatest constants. No matter the distance between them, hardly a day passed without the two of them talking, sharing stories, laughter, and the everyday moments that kept them close.

Dawn is survived by her children, Amy Robinson of Old Town, Maine, Alysia Robinson of Middlefield, Connecticut, and Kyle Conklin of Parksville, New York; her beloved grandchildren, Tanner Hanscom, Jordan Spencer, Cameron Spencer, and Kaylee Spencer; Ralph Hanscom, who remained a cherished part of her extended family; her siblings, Linda Trella and her husband John Sfakianos of Charlton, Massachusetts, William Caco and his wife Gail of Southington, Connecticut, Dena Tash of Old Town, Maine, and Ernest "Robby" Robinson Jr. of Burlington, Connecticut; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Rhonda Murchison and Cindy Thomas; her nephew, Kody; her beloved companion of 25 years, Lionel "Junior" Dube Jr.; and the love of her life, Tony Antolini. Junior's unwavering devotion, steady companionship, and quiet love brought Dawn immeasurable comfort throughout their years together. After his passing, she missed him deeply, carrying his absence with her every day.

She danced through life in her own way, leaving gentle footsteps that will echo long after the music fades. Her spirit was never meant to stand still. It lives on in the kindness she showed so freely, in the laughter she shared so easily, in the quiet companionship of the animals she cherished, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She taught us that life's greatest beauty is often found in its smallest moments: a walk through the woods, the warmth of the sun through a window, the quiet trust of an animal, a thoughtful gift that simply said, "I was thinking of you," or a song that instantly brings someone you love back into the room.

For her daughters, Elton John's Tiny Dancer will forever be more than a song. It is the soundtrack of a lifetime of memories and a reminder that love never truly leaves us. Every time those familiar notes begin to play, her free spirit, generous heart, and boundless love will dance alongside them.

May she forever chase wildflowers barefoot beneath open skies, where the music never ends and every path leads home. May she be reunited with Junior, with Tony, with her parents, and with every four legged soul that ever found comfort in her care. And may she finally dance freely, surrounded by the boundless love and peace she so deeply deserved, forever our Tiny Dancer.