Dawn Elizabeth Bersani

MADISON – As the sun rose in the heavens the morning of Aug. 23, 2025, so, too, did Dawn “Dawnie” Elizabeth (Withee) Bersani, 73, of Madison. She passed away peacefully at Redington-Fairview General Hospital following a sudden diagnosis of brain cancer in June. She met the illness with fierce determination, though her fight was short-lived due to health complications. Dawn carried her humor, concern for family and love of order until her final days.

Born in Skowhegan, on Aug. 10, 1952, to Elizabeth (“Betty”) Louise (Taylor) Withee and Donald Elwood Withee, Dawn’s life was deeply shaped by her childhood at “the farm.” She spent days riding and caring for ponies, baling hay with her dad and trying (unsuccessfully) to reign in her sister Midge. From a young age she served her community, having been an active member of Rainbow, with her favorite office being Drill Leader.

Dawn graduated from Madison Memorial High School (1971), where she commanded attention as Drum Majorette. She married Richard Bersani, and together they moved to Nashua, NH, where they raised their children. Though their marriage ended after more than 20 years, they remained connected through family. Dawn worked for more than three decades at Dartmouth Hitchcock. To patients and colleagues alike, she was known for her kindness, humor and inviting nature. Her happiest moments were enrolling new parents and welcoming their babies. Across her career her work was defined by looking out for others. With retirement, Dawn returned home to Madison, where she became an active member of the Federated Church and Order of the Eastern Star, Keystone Chapter #78.

She was known as someone who always “showed up” – and showed up early. She was quick to volunteer her time, house-sit to care for others’ fur-babies as she cared for people, and often supported friends and loved ones in their final moments. Dawn treasured adventures in her beloved Subaru, could never resist a sale, and “believed” deeply in people. She was legendary for her endless collection of totes and Tupperware. She delighted in doing laundry, watching Hallmark movies, reviving cast-off houseplants and window shopping. Her warmth and wit will live on through her unforgettable “Dawnie-isms”: “telling on herself,” shoot-a-pickle, cool beans, oh mylanta, awesome-blossom, kitty dogs and puppy cats, I love-uh you – and, of course, her frequent use of emojis.

Dawn’s greatest pride was her family: children, Jason Withee Bersani (wife Heidi Lynne Strassberg-Bersani) and Dr. Bianca Elizabeth Bersani (husband Nathan Kyle Redmann); and her grandchildren, Morgan Arwen Strassberg-Bersani, Eloise (Ellie) Elizabeth Redmann, Isaac Ames Redmann and Lucas Kyle Redmann. Dawnie was the least judgemental parent possible. No matter the “phases” her children went through, she supported them. She was often the loudest voice on the sidelines or in the audience, cheering on their accomplishments. She took tremendous joy in simple moments with her grandkids, like spontaneous picnics from the back of her car and taking walks to look for signs of the changing seasons.

Dawn’s spirit also lives on in her sister Midge (Luciann) Pomelow (husband Tim Pomelow), and nieces and nephews: Reagan, Sean, Aleana, Taylor (husband Dustin), Lyric, Cameron, Phoenix and Lux, Kaylee (wife Kelsey), Kody (wife Ruth), Frankie and Jovi.

The family would like to thank friends and family near and far who shared their love and support with Dawn, and send a special thanks to those who provided care and compassion at Redington-Fairview Memorial Hospital, Cedar Ridge Rehabilitation Home, and Andwell Hospice Care.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation and Eastern Star Ceremony, Saturday Aug. 30, 2025, 4-7 p.m., at Giberson’s Funeral Home, 40 Maple St., Madison, Maine. All are welcome to her celebration of life, which will take place at the Federated Church in Skowhegan, on Aug. 31, 2025, 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception. The burial is private to the family.

“Go to the rising sun, for I am already setting.” – Marcus Aurelius

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, Dawn asked that donations be sent to one of the following organizations:

Glioblastoma Research Organization: https://www.gbmresearch.org/ 

Somerset Animal Shelter: https://shsanimalshelter.com/ 

Dyslexia Learning Center: https://www.bangormasonic.org/dyslexia-learning-center/