Dawn Andrea Cantele, 57, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, passed away on August 10, 2026. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Dawn graduated from Maryvale High School before embarking on a life that would take her far from home, including a distinguished nearly 21-year career in the United States Army. Through all of life's chapters, Dawn remained deeply connected to the people she loved and lived with a spirit defined by resilience, loyalty, generosity, and heart.

Dawn proudly devoted nearly 21 years to the United States Army, serving from 1996 until her honorable retirement in 2017 as a Master Sergeant (E-8). A Human Resources Specialist for more than 20 years, she completed nearly three years of foreign service and earned numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO Medal.

Dawn was known in the Army for her direct, no-nonsense approach—very much a "Bottom Line Up Front" (BLUF) kind of leader. But behind that straightforward style was someone who cared deeply about her soldiers. Everywhere Dawn was stationed, she formed strong bonds with the people she served alongside and led, many of whom affectionately called her "Mamma." Her family is extraordinarily proud of her service and the impact she had on those who served with her.

Dawn was kind and loving, and she was a ferocious friend. If Dawn loved you, she loved you completely. She would give the shirt off her back to someone she cared about. She was the person you could confide in, count on, laugh with, and call when you needed someone firmly in your corner.

Dawn treasured the simple joys of being together. As a family, some of the happiest memories were made playing cards, going dancing, and listening to country music. She loved to cook, especially when cooking meant sharing something with the people she loved, and she was always happy to spend a little time at the casino trying her luck. Dawn also found peace in nature, where the quiet and beauty of the outdoors offered her a place to simply be.

Animals held a special place in Dawn's heart. Her beloved dogs, Bravo and Sophie, were treasured companions who brought her tremendous comfort, happiness, and unconditional love throughout different chapters of her life.

Family was deeply important to Dawn, and she especially loved spending time with her nieces and nephew. She took great joy in being part of their lives and in the time they shared together. Dawn knew what it meant to face adversity. Life asked her to overcome more than her share of challenges, including breast cancer, yet she continued to meet life with strength and determination. That resilience was part of who Dawn was. She was strong not because life was always easy, but because she continued forward when it wasn't.

Dawn is survived by her mother, Sharon Ball; her sister, Kelly Kubicki, and brother-in-law, Michael Kubicki; her brother, Tony Cantele, and sister-in-law, Shila Cantele; and her nieces and nephew, Kaitlyn McGill, Kirstyn Kubicki, Morgan Kubicki, Grace Cantele, and Jackson Cantele. She is also lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched.

For those who loved her, Dawn leaves behind more than memories. She leaves the example of a woman who served her country with distinction, overcame tremendous challenges, loved her family deeply, stood fiercely beside her friends, and gave generously of herself. She was an amazing sister, a trusted confidante, and a true friend. The time shared with Dawn, particularly over these past several years, is a gift that will always be treasured.

Dawn kept a passage from Margery Williams' The Velveteen Rabbit in her home, a reminder that being truly loved is what makes us Real, and that once we are Real, the wear that comes from living and loving cannot diminish our beauty. Alongside that sentiment was another favorite of Dawn's: "Do small things with great love." Together, those words reflected something essential about her—the enduring beauty of being loved and the importance of giving love in the everyday moments of life.

A military memorial service honoring Dawn's life and her service to our country will be held in Arizona this fall. Details will be announced at a later date.

Dawn loved fiercely, gave generously, and cared deeply. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.