Obituary of Dawn C. Ferland

WOODSTOCK VALLEY- Dawn C. (Cross) Ferland, 57, of Woodstock Valley, died July 14, 2009 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester after a sudden illness. She was the beloved wife of John W. Ferland. Born in December 17, 1951 in Putnam, daughter of the late Ruth V. (Shippee) Provost. She was a graduate of Southern Connecticut State College, who dedicated her life to teaching and her family. She was the Special Education Department Head at Ellis Tech. In her spare time, she volunteered at the Mystic Aquarium, she was a Master Gardener and a Master Wildlife Conservationist. She spent her life advocating for people with disabilities. She left a major footprint on society. She also enjoyed the outdoors, boating, marathon shopping trips and spending her vacations in New Hampshire. In addition to her husband, John, she leaves her daughter, Rebecca McKinnon and her husband Benjamin of Carthage, NY; her son, Patrick Ferland and his wife Julie of North Conway, NH; grandchildren, Gunnar Dean, Kayper Page and Brodie Neil McKinnon; her sister Barbara Graff and family of Killingly, her brother Charles Cross, Jr. and family of Plainfield; service dog Moses; and many dear friends. A Graveside Service will be 11:00 AM on Monday July 20, 2009 at Westfield Cemetery, North Street, Danielson. Calling hours will be Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dawn's memory to NEADS, 305 Redemption Rock Trail South, Princeton, MA 01541or the Arthritis Foundation., PO Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077. To share a memory with her family, "Light a Candle" at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com