Obituary of Dawn M. Thurley

Dawn M. Thurley, 71, of Diamond Rock Terrace in Lansingburgh, formerly of Bolivar Avenue in Troy, peacefully entered into eternal life at home surrounded and in the loving care of her family on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Mildred Leonard Wainman and was a graduate of Columbia High School, class of 1964.

Dawn retired from RPI in Troy after having been employed there for 34 years.

She enjoyed giving hugs, spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren, taking them on road trips and getting lost in their travels. She was always ready for a good conversation about anything, loved all things furry and feathery, and was always ready for wine, seafood, and singing.

Dawn loved her kids, but her grandkids were her precious everything.

Dawn is the beloved and devoted mother "Ma" of Richard (Kelly) Honsinger of Schodack, Tammy (Tony) Belcher of Troy, Brian (Stephanie) Thurley of Sharon Springs, James (Jax Ross) Thurley, Jr. of Troy, her loving cat Charlie, and the late Thomas C.L. Honsinger, Jr., cherished grandmother of Chase and Brynn Honsinger, Kelsey and Anthony Belcher, Jr., Kayli Honsinger and Mialyn Lammy, and Audrey, Landon, and Brody Thurley. She was predeceased by Rich, Tammy and Thomas, Jr.'s father, the late Thomas C.L. Honsinger, Sr. and is survived by Jimmy's and Brian's dad, James Thurley Sr.

Those who were fortunate enough to know her know that Dawn is also survived by many of her children's friends and students of RPI who affectionately knew her as "Ma" too, as they were always welcome at her home and made to feel like a part of her family when away from their own. Her home’s doors were always open to all.

In keeping with Dawn's wishes, there will be no calling hours or public services. Her last request was to make an anatomical gift to Albany Medical College so that others might benefit from the knowledge they gain.

Dawn's family would like to thank Jody & Jeff Howard and their beagle Oscar for years of love, friendship, and support, her close friend Diane Finlay, Dr's. Resta, Morris, and Brilliant and the angels of hospice for taking care of her so well and concernedly, and special friend of the family, Mike Barna.

Those desiring are asked to make memorial contributions to Joseph’s House & Shelter,74 Ferry St., Troy, NY 12180 and the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204 in memory of Dawn M. Thurley.

Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY 12180. Phone (518) 272-3930.

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