DAWN SCHLEIFER

Dawn Schleifer, age 60, of Kaneville, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023, following a fierce battle with cancer that may have broken her body, but never her spirit. She was surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

She was born April 29, 1963, in Aurora, IL, to loving parents Dan and Mary Schleifer.

Dawn grew up in Kaneville and attended local schools. She graduated from Hinckley-Big Rock with the class of 1981. Before graduating, she made a name for herself behind the plate and on the mound of the softball field, ran like the wind in Track and was an integral part of the volleyball team.

Following her graduation, Dawn attended North Central College where she received a bachelor’s degree in business.

Dawn was blessed with four children, Erica, Brianna, Joshua, and Mariann, who filled her life with laughter and love.

In earlier years, Dawn worked as a busser, waitress and helped to make matches for Fisherman’s Inn, but dedicated many years, never taking a day off unless she was made to, for Danial’s Inc, the drywall supply business established by her father. Eventually after Dan’s retirement, she officially took over and brought much success to the family business.

Dawn was a faithful member of the Kaneville United Methodist Church.

Dawn was a selfless woman who cared for everyone she met. It didn’t matter if you only just met, Dawn would befriend and count you among her infinite list of friends she would do anything for. She will be remembered for the ever-present Diet Coke and a smile. She loved to play scrabble, “brain games” and dance barefoot on Friday nights. Dawn was a constant presence at bingo, her eyes traveling over the many cards that held the promise of “riches” or at least bragging rights. Trips to Ft. Myers Beach for fun in the sun with her family ensured many memories were made, but every five years she and the kids visited the “House of Mouse”. She found countless hours of relaxation on “The Tank” and never missed a chance to mow, even through her chemotherapy. Her three grandchildren were the apple of her eye and she doted on them anytime she could, cheering them on in sports. Being surrounded by family was her favorite place to be. Her laugh will echo in the hearts of all who loved her.

She now leaves a legacy of love for her family including her father, Dan (Sharon Olsen) Schleifer; four children: Erica (Colton) Plumb; Brianna Brehm, Joshua (Sarah Wedesky) Brehm and Mariann (Jared Romano) O’Connell; three grandchildren: Savannah, Logan and Lukas Plumb;  two brothers: Trent Schleifer and Bradley (Stacy) Schleifer; her best friend through thick and thin, Lisa Ciccone; “grand-fur-babies”: Frankie, Thorin, and Karl; several nieces, nephews and a family of friends.

She is now reunited with her mother, Mary Schleifer; paternal grandparents, Ralph and Anne Schleifer and her maternal grandparents, William “Bud” and Bernice Anderson, who preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2023, at Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service will follow at noon with interment at Kaneville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.com/donate. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.