Trending
Dawn LaBelle, of Bay City, Michigan, passed away peacefully, concluding her courageous and hard-fought two-year battle with stomach cancer.
She was born in Alpena, Michigan, on July 30, 1966. Born with a natural passion for education, Dawn dedicated 22 wonderful years of her life as a teacher in the Bangor School System. She found immense joy in being an educator, shaping young minds, and touching the lives of countless children throughout her career.
Above all else, Dawn's greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Joseph LaBelle. Together, they built a beautiful life and a loving family. She was the cherished mother of Justin (Annie), Jarrod (Lindsay), and Stephanie (Todd), and the adoring “Nana” to her seven beloved grandchildren: Porter, Rowan, Riggs, Foster, Maven, Cal, and Beckham.
Dawn is also survived by her brother, Dennis, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and countless friends she welcomed into her heart that she considered family. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold; her mother, Mary Beth; her brother, Steven; and her parents-in-law, Charlie and Marie LaBelle.
Whether she was cheering fiercely from the stands at hockey games or sitting proudly in the audience at dance recitals, Dawn was always her family’s biggest supporter.
Away from the classroom and the rinks, Dawn lived a vibrant, full, and wonderfully loud life. A true outdoors enthusiast, she loved camping, boating, golfing, hiking, biking, baking, and gardening. Famously known as the life of the party--with a legendary track record of dancing on tabletops--she brought laughter, warmth, and high energy to every room she entered.
In keeping with Dawn's lifelong dedication to children and education, and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that monetary donations be made to Joe LaBelle, who will distribute the donations to local students in need in her memory.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rivertown Funeral Chapel in Kawkawlin, Michigan, with a Celebration of Life service held at the conclusion of the visitation.