It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Dawn Marie Spiegeland on August 2, 2025 at the age of 81. Born on August 11, 1943 in Holmdel, Dawn was a beautiful, strong, independent and caring woman, leaving behind precious memories and a legacy of love that will echo through generations.

Survived by her loving and devoted husband, Benjamin Spiegeland, with whom she shared a long, happy marital journey of 63 years, since 1962 ; Her daughter Christina Spiegeland; Son Kenneth Spiegeland; predeceased by Son David Spiegeland; Her grandchildren Kandace Somers; Tyler Spiegeland; Kayla Beagan; Cara Spiegeland; Great-grandson Owen Beagan. Pre deceased by and her parents Walter and Gloria Gretschel; survived by her Brother, Walt Gretschel married to Joan; Sister Gloria Wallace, married to Andy; predeceased by her sister Linda Lowe, married to Donald. She is survived by her niece Denise Lowe Stover who was more like a daughter who took great care of Dawn in a devoted and loving way for years right up until the very end. She was survived by many other nieces and nephews.

Dawn had so many close friends who are grieving her loss including: Carol Manz, with children Joey and Michelle, and predeceased Joe and Mike Manz; Sharon Parr; Craig and Carla Nodine; and predeceased Carlas’s mom Carol Connelly, predeceased by Dawn’s close friend Kevin Murphy.

Dawn and Ben met and married as teenage sweethearts. They built together a beautiful dream home in Cream Ridge with a view of a beautiful pond, and horses on the property. Later they moving to Boca Raton, and later Cape Coral Florida and as “snowbirds” she and Ben maintained a home in Freehold NJ.

Dawn graduated from Central Regional High School Bayville, NJ . She was a member of VFW 9505 Bayville, NJ. She often mentioned how much she enjoyed waitressing at a diner. Her sassy attitude brought in lots of tips. She followed the POW affiliate and wore a T shirt and bracelet of a missing POW (prisoner of war) member for years, praying he would be found ad reunited with his family.

Dawn held a special place in her heart for traditional Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. She would plan for weeks and make the event memorable for the entire family, with her care and attention to details.  All the grandchildren loved the easter egg hunts where they scrambled across the yard in  their easter best to find her eggs. Truly she was meticulous in all she did. Her son David used to say that when Dawn would decorate the Christmas tree, she would literally put one tinsel strand on at a time. She didn’t stress, but just gave her time and care so others would enjoy the effort.

 Her grandchildren Tyler and Cara were so close to their Nana. They remember her attending school functions and taking them for back to school shopping. She would take them to Disney World or Universal Studios each year! When the kids would argue about which lunch spot to go to, her kind heart would take them to both.

Dawn was small in stature, but lit up every room she entered. People would say she was feisty and wouldn’t hesitate to speak her mind. She would be the life of the party and just LOVED to dance and nothing could stop her. She had a very unique, classy presence. Her grandkids thought the statuesque woman with the long white dress and scepter who introduced Columbia Pictures movies was her, with David saying “ Look! that’s Nana on the TV!” She had a sophisticated fashion sense and looked her very best regardless of where she was going, or not going.

She was quite active and engaging in recreational activities such as party events, cruises, casinos, bingo, board games like Farkle, and of course dancing! She spent countless night with her friend Carol Connelly, dancing the night away, sipping wine, enjoying adult sleepovers, and generally starting trouble! She also adored her friends Carol Manz, Sharon Parr and more recently Kevin Murphy in Florida, enjoying laughter and many good times. She loved going out to dinner often with family and friends, and really loved a crisp chardonnay with a tall glass of ice

Dawn was also generous to a fault. If she saw someone in need, she had to act. Her friend Carol Manz remembers when she didn’t have a cell phone, our thoughtful Dawn of course went out and bought one to keep her close friend safe.

Dawn was an equestrian, and won numerous medals showing her horses. She passed on her love of horses to her daughter Christina, which they continued to share for years. She took her role as Mother and Nana very seriously and passed on many treasured lessons and traditions.

Dawn just loved dogs. Here we have to admit that her true BFF was “Paulie” , her beautiful black and white dog (after David’s middle name). They were inseparable. He never left her side like a shadow and he slept right next to her every night.

Dawn represented the values of family closeness, gratitude for life, and extreme generosity. Her memory will continue to remind us of these special virtues, guiding us through our lives as we try to mirror all the best of her.

While Dawn's loss is profoundly felt, her spirit lives on in the lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared. Her memory will remain bright in the hearts of all of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

There will be no services. In leiu of flowers, please donate to any Animal Shelter.

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