Medway, Maine - With full hearts and profound sadness - but also deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our sweet family matriarch, Dawn York, on March 21, 2026. Born on April 18, 1941, in Medway, Maine to Harold and Ivy Moore, she grew into a woman whose kindness, strength, and unwavering love became the foundation of an entire family.

She was one of ten children and loved her siblings deeply. She is survived by her beloved brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Geraldine Dewitt, Ronald Moore and his partner, Paula, Ken and Mary Moore, Barbara and Gordon Hall, Gwen Moore, Georgina Moore, IdaBelle and Gilles Martin, Sharon Dickey, and Priscilla York. She is now reunited in heaven with her precious grandson, Zachary MacDonald; her fat cat, Aspyn; and her cherished siblings and in-laws, Harold and Jean Moore, Bruce Moore, Pam and Ricky York, Robert Moore, Terry Dickey, Marjorie and Lionel Noddin, Beulah and Truman Moody, Stella and Merton Kimball, Betty Sheehan, Ray York, Vaughn York, Vivian York, and Phyllis York, whose memories she always kept close to her heart.

She married the love of her life, Jack York, on September 5, 1960, beginning a partnership rooted in deep and unwavering devotion. Jack was her steady companion for decades - a loving husband who remained by her side and cared for her with tenderness and commitment right to the very end. Together, they taught us the true meaning of enduring love.

Family was her pride, her joy, and her life's greatest accomplishment. She raised six children who adored her, and she welcomed their wonderful partners into the family, Doug and Lorily York, Melanie Osborne, Sherri Stevens and Phil Arena, Daren York, Valerie and Frank Van Zandt, and Kristi and Brent MacDonald. She also cherished her two godchildren, Crystal and Heath Martin, and one bonus child, Jodie York, whom we all lovingly agree, but refuse to admit, was her favorite. She filled all our lives with guidance, humor, and unconditional love, leaving us with lessons and memories that will be passed on for generations. Her legacy continues through her eleven grandchildren and their partners, Clint and Angelica, Rachel, Sage and Andy, Gabrielle, Kyle and Allie, Cameron and Alessia, Jack, Isabella, Zachary and Kate, Caleb and Jorge, and Jaden, each one shaped in some way by her amazing spirit. Her heart grew even more to welcome six great-grandchildren, Ezra, Elijah, Aria, Raelynn, Olivia, and Alec, who brought her immeasurable joy and light in her later years. She had more nieces and nephews than could be counted, but each one knew they were always welcome in her home at any time.

While balancing her large family, Dawn also worked at Lennie's Superette for more than 30 years, dedicating herself with the same kindness, work ethic, and heart that she brought to every part of her life. She took great pride in her work and in the relationships she built there, becoming a familiar and trusted presence to so many.

Dawn lived a life defined by compassion and strength. She loved company, and her home was always open - always warm - always ready to embrace anyone who walked through the door. She nourished us - not just with her words, but with her love of cooking. Feeding people was her love language. On any given day, there was enough food in her house to feed the entire town of Medway - and she would have joyfully attempted to do just that. Whether you stayed for a meal or a conversation, you always left feeling seen and cared for - and often with canned goods from her basement pantry.

Though we miss her dearly, we take comfort in knowing she is now surrounded by loved ones who journeyed before her - and that her wonderful legacy of love lives on in every family gathering, every shared story, and every moment of kindness we carry forward in her honor. Her life was a gift. Her memory is a blessing. And her love will remain our guiding light always.

We want to thank her sister and best friend, IdaBelle, for being a steadfast presence in her life and bringing her so much comfort and joy throughout the years.

A celebration of life will be held on April 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at the East Branch Sno-Rovers & ATV Club, 6 Clubhouse Drive in East Millinocket.