Dawn Allison Squires

It is with great sadness to announce that Dawn Allison Squires, from Essex past away on the afternoon of February 26, 2020. She was born April 15, 1959 to the late Barbara Ann Squires and George Squires, Jr. Dawn succumbed to her battle with Stage 4 lung cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis and double pneumonia at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center surrounded by her family and friends. She was proceeded by her late brother, George Squires III and grandparents, Elmer and Elinor Hoppert, also who lived in Essex for a time.

She leaves behind her devoted wife, Penny Tefke, her “little” sister, Elinor Gross and her husband William Gross and her baby sister, Kristie Weeks. She also leaves behind her nieces, Heather “Hez” Frank, who was more like a daughter to her, and her great niece, Alexis Frank, nephews, Tim “Teez” Williams, Jeff Weeks and her great nephew, Dustin Frank. In addition she leaves behind her “2nd dad” and father-in-law, Fred Tefke and his wife Susan.

Dawn grew up in Essex and moved to Edgewood in the early 2000’s.  Many of her non Essex friends referred to her as “Dawn from Essex”, not really knowing what that meant.  She often teased that she was going to put up an Essex flag in her front yard.  Dawn loved growing up in Essex.  Whether it was her childhood home on Hopewell Avenue, getting penny candy from Leggitt’s store on her way home from Stemers Run, or eating at Pizza John’s, she loved Essex; it was in her blood. In fact she worked at Pizza John’s as a teen and young adult. She later went to work at Hyde Park Apartments, where she started as a custodian and worked her way up to being promoted to the Service Supervisor at Walnut Grove Townhomes. It was there that she met her life and business partner, when Penny said, “HI.” 

The two of them ran All Your Wishes, Wants and Needs on Eastern Boulevard  in the early 2000’s. They have a home made candle business, where they make handmade double scented candles right in their home, Candles by Star Enterprizes. Dawn enjoyed going to crafts shows and events where she could brag on Penny’s creativity, her favourite was the Richardson Farm’s Craft Show, where she met some great people who become friends, not just other crafters. Most recently the two ventured into real estate, specifically buying and selling houses as S&T Housing Group. Dawn spent 2 months in Daytona Beach Florida flipping a house and could not wait to get back. 

Dawn had many hobbies, including some you would never guess: reading Jackie Collins novels about the mobster Santangelo family, crocheting, painting ceramics and watching the House Wives and Love & Hip Hop shows, but her favorite thing to do was go fishing. It didn’t matter what type of fish she caught; cat, perch, or sunny but bass was her favorite. She just loved to be outside with the wind blowing in her hair and enjoying the time with her fishing buddies. Tied with her love of fishing was her love and sports. Her favorite of course being her hometown teams, the Ravens and Orioles. She bled purple and orange!

Dawn was a straight shooter type of person that told you what she thought and did not pull any punches. She was a simple person, easy to please, didn’t over think things or like to create drama. She worked hard for the things she wanted and loved with her whole heart. These are the qualities she loved about Essex and made her special. Dawn made many friends along her journey here on earth, some of them spanning decades. She loved everyone of them.

Services will be held at Connelly Funeral Home of Essex, on Sunday, March 1st, 2020.  Visitors are invited from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with services beginning at 3:00 pm.

The family would like to invite everyone to the Fallston Barrel House, located at 2403 Bel Air Road in Fallston (443-981-3062), after the service for a celebration of life gathering. 

In lieu of flowers, contributes will be accepted for the creation of the Squires Strong Rheumatoid Arthritis foundation and bass fishing sponsorship for young fisherman.

(A special shout out to the fb group “You grew up in Essex, MD if you remember” for your help with Leggett’s.  She loved your page and remembering the good ol’ days.)

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