Dawn Ellen D'Aquin

On December 30th, 2021, Dawn Ellen D’Aquin lost her courageous battle against cancer. She was 63 years old.

Dawn is survived by her son Abe D’Aquin, his wife Lizzie and her beloved grandchildren Lyra and Iris D’Aquin. She is also survived by her siblings, Leon (Lodia), Brian, Sharon (Phillip Legrande), Maya (Marc Glorioso), Marvin, her sister-in-law, Kathy Hirsch (Michael), sister-in-law Jan Barbee (Manny) as well as a host of nieces and nephews. he is preceded in death by her husband Paul D’Aquin and her brothers Manny and Michael Hirsch.

Born in New Jersey on April 21st, 1958, she was the fourth of eight children and the first-born girl. The Hirsch family relocated from New Jersey to New Orleans in her infancy, and she called it home for her entire life. Growing up, Dawn helped her mother tend to their large family before marrying Paul in 1978 and starting her own family.

After Paul’s untimely death in 1981, Dawn took on the responsibility of raising Abe as a single working mom often working multiple jobs in New Orleans’ hospitality industry. Later in life, she would accept the responsibility of caring for her disabled younger brother.

Dawn loved her family first and foremost. She lived and breathed for her siblings, children and especially her grandchildren. Her family also extended to her many best friends whom she deeply loved throughout her life.

Dawn was passionate about music, dancing and masking. She was also skilled at crafting. Her elegant floral arrangements, wreaths and signature ribbons were highly sought-after and added beauty to the world around her.

Dawn’s true story is that of triumph over impossible obstacles from early in her life until her final breath. In this life, she was forced to be a warrior, and she would not back down. She would never surrender. Even as she peacefully said good-bye-for-now, she did so with dignity and harmony. Her spirit of love will forever be in the hearts of all who knew her.

There will be a private service for family and close friends only. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the American Heart Association

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