Mrs. Dawn A. Gilbert

Following a courageous battle with cancer, Dawn Ann Connelly Gilbert of Pittsfield died peacefully at home late Saturday evening. Raised in Pittsfield by her loving parents Michael “Joe” and Amelia Andruskiw Connelly, Dawn attended St. Joseph's High School. Shortly after graduating in 1963, she met and married Robert G. Gilbert of Dalton, with whom she would have celebrated fifty wonderful years this September. While raising their sons Kirk and Glenn, Dawn worked at New England Telephone, Sears, and later at KB Toys Headquarters. After providing their sons with what the boys will proudly proclaim was an "idyllic childhood" Dawn and Bob embarked upon travels around Europe and the Caribbean with their close friends John and Judy Daly. Together, the four also enjoyed years of tennis, candlepin bowling and occasional late night card games. In more recent years, Dawn enjoyed spending time with her grandson Griffin and family at home and on trips to Disney. She loved the beaches of Cape Cod and Gloucester and enjoyed Truro vacations with her lifelong best friend Jean Suttle Garvey. Dawn loved her music and was known to dance around the house to her favorite Bee Gees, Prince and Michael Jackson records when no one was home. She had a big heart for animals as well, rescuing many cats over the years, though she never forgot her true canine companion, Shannon. She enjoyed collecting and trying out new recipes, and was never one to pass up a good flea market or craft show. Also an avid reader, she began each morning solving crossword puzzles and word jumbles. Dawn was a communicant of St. Agnes Parish in Dalton. She is survived by her loving family, her husband, Robert G. Gilbert and two sons, Kirk Michael Gilbert, his wife Lori and their son Griffin of Beverly, MA and Glenn Gilbert and his Fiancé Kari New of Stockbridge, MA and her two cats, Max and Sophie. Dawn also leaves behind many wonderful friends and neighbors. Funeral Notice: At Dawn’s request, there will be a private service with Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor of St. Agnes Church in Dalton, officiating. There will be no calling hours. Donations may be made to the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA 01201, in her memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Dawn A. Gilbert

August 19, 1945 - July 19, 2014