LAWRENCE - Dawn Helen Atwood, 47, resident of Lawrence, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 26, at her home.

She was born in Groton and was educated in Lawrence Elementary and Middle Schools and then was a graduate of Tokay High School in Lodi, CA. Dawn worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant for Mary Immaculate Nursing Home and also worked for Merrimack Valley Hospice. She volunteered her time and attended services at the Lawrence Salvation Army as well as being a member of the Greater Lawrence Vocational High School Parent Advisory Board. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed decorating the Veterans Fountain in South Lawrence.

Dawn enjoyed spending time with her family, being at the ocean, and helping many of her friends and even people she just met. She was a compassionate person who also put others before herself. She was a kind, warm hearted, gentle woman, who opened her home and heart to everyone who she came in contact with.

She was the daughter of the late Kenneth L. and Claudia Dureault of Lawrence. She will be sadly missed by her husband, Timothy B. Atwood; children, Brandon, Samantha, and Jarred Atwood all of Lawrence; grandson, Cayden Atwood, who loved his "Mimi"; brother Kenneth Dureault, Jr. of Chelmsford; sister, Sherry Carolan of Salem, NH. Dawn leaves many brothers and sisters in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. The Atwood family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all those who showed kindness and support during this time of sadness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the VFW, 26 River Street, Methuen, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.