Search by Name

Search by Name

Dawn Brancheau Obituary

Brancheau, Dawn Therese (nee Lo Verde), 40, of St. Cloud, FL, formerly of Cedar Lake, IN, passed away February 24, 2010, doing what she loved, beloved wife of Scott, cherished daughter of Marion and the late Charles Lo Verde Jr., daughter-in-law of John and Terry Brancheau, dear sister of Deborah (Anthony) Frogameni, Charles (Tracy) Lo Verde, Darlyne Klages, Diane (Jeffrey) Gross, and Thomas (Mary) Lo Verde, sister-in-law of Lou-Ann (Joe) Morrill and Daniel (Lauren) Brancheau, loving aunt of Ali, Anthony, Vincent, Dominic, Mario, Francesca, Gianna, Melissa, Jessica, Jenny, Jonathan, Cole, Reve, Addie, Bethany, and the late Nathan. Visitation Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL. Funeral Mass Monday, 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dawn Brancheau Memorial Fund, c/o US Bank, P.O. Box 809231, Chicago, IL 60680-9231. Info. 708-636-1193 or visit www.blakelamboaklawn.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 28, 2010.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Dawn Brancheau

Not sure what to say?





Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Theresa Flores

Other

April 26, 2023

Love You Dawn. Even though I never met you and only watched your beautiful performances online I loved you any way for being a talented, healthy, decent Christian woman and a follower of Christ and Keeper and Caretaker of his Beloved Orcas.

Jacqueline G. McRae-Mitchell

Other

April 15, 2023

You will be greatly missed. "Sleep with the Angels."

Jacqueline G. McRae-Mitchell

Other

March 10, 2023

She's in heaven doing orca shows for The Trinity and the saints :-)!

Lucas J. Ammons

Other

April 1, 2022

You were a Great Steward for God’s creatures. You and Tily swim together again in joy in his heavenly ocean. Love you both. Thanks Dawn. Thanks Tilikum!

Mike

September 12, 2020

une belle femme dynamique et qui aimait son job

danetz laurence france

Acquaintance

September 3, 2020

Such a Sweet & Caring person ad she was a great woman and friend to our family...you are missed by many Dawn...RIP Beautiful

Amanda Harrell

January 20, 2020

You're amazing

October 15, 2019

May you rest in peace.

HENRY BRUMMEL

September 21, 2019

Rest in heaven

Tia Conroy

Acquaintance

September 20, 2019

YOU WAS THE BEST SEAWORLD TRAINER! GOD BLESS YOU DAWN! Dominique Michaud (CANADA, QUÉBEC,QUÉBEC CITY)

March 4, 2017

GOD BLESS DAWN AND FAMILY.. REST IN PEACE...

JOHN A. COONEY

February 2, 2017

Valenda Newell

July 21, 2016

It is so sad to see these incidents happen...RIP Dawn..Prayers to her family and for Telikum

Lorena Torres

March 31, 2016

Thinking of you, Dawn.

Sherry Gleason

February 9, 2016

Dawn was a well loved person from all around the world.

Raynn morrison

February 8, 2016

Thinking of you and your beautiful smile and spirit, Dawn. You're greatly missed. God bless and continued prayers to the family.

Sonya King

December 1, 2015

Heavenly Father you have an Angel up there who love animals and whales with a passion. Put her besides Poseidon and she will have him looking at the waters in a whole new light. Bless her husband and family always.

Charlotte Sepulveda

September 4, 2015

Brenda Harbin

August 15, 2015

Dawn is an inspiration to everyone around the world, and we will forever remember her love and devotion.

Emylee Eyler

June 27, 2015

Dawn's life and memory will burn like the flame on this candle, Forever. Her love for Marine Life was her passion, it will reflect lives of Orca's and Hers like the reflection of this candle. Love and Passion for Marine Life lives on thru Dawn from this day on for an eternity. God Bless you Dawn , you are missed by your friends and family. Your Orcas' miss you.

Theresa Taylor

June 21, 2015

so sad

June 14, 2015

I remember seeing you. what an amazing inspiration you were and still are.

Sherri Bunch

April 10, 2015

Dawn has inspired me to loveand care for these amazing animals. I hope I can carry on her legacy. It's sad how the good ones go. But she she went by doing something she was passionate about. Also she died with her favorite killer whale. My condolences to her friends and loved ones. After 5 or after 50 I will never forget Dawn.

lindsey Webster

December 1, 2014

It's unpredictable to know what any animal would do. It's so sad to see those who love and train animal causes them to lose their lives. But one day in Gods kngdom government he will bring animals and humans into harmonious relationship with one another. (Isaiah 11:6-9)

Beverly F

September 27, 2014

I saw you at sea world when I was a kid. I remember you. You talked to me after the show. I didn't know you had passed until I saw a documentary about you. To your friends and family; I'm so sorry for ur loss.

Krystyn R

June 12, 2014

R.I.P dawn

deon massey

May 27, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 18, 2014

Rest peacefully now

Sara

March 16, 2014

visited yesterday and just remembered what an awesome trainer, friend, loving person you were. we'll never forget beautiful dawn.

February 25, 2014

In your memory, Dawn

Sherry Gleason

February 24, 2014

Thinking of you and of your friends, family, and coworkers today, Dawn. You are greatly loved and missed.

Sherry Gleason

February 24, 2014

May you rest in peace, Dawn. I would never have the courage to be near those orcas, but you thought of them as children. Bless you and your family.

February 22, 2014

I think of you and yours often, Dawn.

January 21, 2014

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.”(Isa 65:19) Wonderful promise and heartfelt prayers go out for all the families and friends.

January 19, 2014

rip dawn i have never seen you but your memory is in me allways

-mikayla dunn kansas city mo

mikayla dunn

January 15, 2014

I am glad that Dawn's memory is kept alive through this guest book. May God bless her and her Family.

Henry Brummel

January 15, 2014

Dawn,
You are my hero. I look to you for encourengement to press on toward the goal of working with those precious whales one day. I think of you every day, and, almost four years after your death, I hope you rest in peace, pray for your family, and look forward to seeing you in heaven one day. I still Believe, sister! <3 you!

C. B.

January 14, 2014

Dawn, I enjoyed watching you with the whales. You were lucky to live your dream, and bring such joy to others. I will remember you for the joy you brought to others not the tragedy of your leaving us. God bless you Dawn and keep you and your loving friends of family in his loving arms and give you peace.

Tina Corder

October 13, 2013

God bless you Dawn. Rest in peace! <3

Jordan

October 8, 2013

Hey everyone I just was thinking about all the video's I saw her in I wish I could have met u I wish we could have a family reunion so I could met everyone one your Second cuz Tina Vitali

August 26, 2013

Dawn Brancheau, was a great inspiration to me she loved what she did and we should still to this day celebrate what joy she brought to the visitors and guest of all nations that visited Seaworld her home away from home.


To the Brancheau family: We love you guys and through her life we can see the influence you gave her she just lights up my heart because of the love she had for the animals and her family as well.

Christopher Brown

August 24, 2013

We have visited seaward a few times and was always moved by ur beautiful performance. I still get a pang of sadness when I watch the believe video. Such a tragedy god bless u touched millions of hearts

debby Lawson

August 1, 2013

I think of Dawn and her family often.

Sherry Gleason

July 6, 2013

Dawn , is a great person not was ! because even though she is gone she still continues to help us all she is a great person and i hope to one day meet this wonderful girl ! <3 xo xo

Aidan Girard

July 2, 2013

I want to be just like you Dawn!

kaitlyn

June 16, 2013

What a tragedy it is to lose someone so young and so full of life. Dawn will surely be missed. We can all look forward to the day when we see her again on a paradise earth filled with people who, like Dawn know how to treat animals and there will be no fear of the animals or for the animals. Ps.37:11 & 29, Isa. 11:8

Linda

May 13, 2013

miss you everyday dawn, your love and the incredible person you were are always here.

March 31, 2013

I miss you. What a friend you were and such a beautiful person. I know you went to heaven on the wings of angels.

Michael Erris Sr.

March 28, 2013

You will be missed.

Jose Garcia

January 5, 2013

I believe! Go Dawn!

Aidan Girard

January 2, 2013

rest in peace

October 15, 2012

Its an honor to know someone like Dawn lived and the great work that she did will remain her legacy.,She was an incredible person and had an abundance of love in her heart. May God keep her in His care and may she dance in Heaven!!!

Shereen Duclos

October 3, 2012

dawn- you are never forgotten, always honored and i thank you for all the love you radiated, from all of us who never had the honor to know you personally but were overcome with your love for the world and your animals.

jackie giordano

August 6, 2012

In Dawn's honor...thinking of you and yours today

Sherry Gleason

August 4, 2012

I didn't know Dawn, but I can see that she was an incredible person. She was kind and loving. She sounds like she was everything that was good in this world. I am so sorry that she is gone. B

Shelly Boyle

August 2, 2012

What an amazing woman. She lived her life to the fullest, doing what she loved. We can all be truly inspired by her. My prayers for her loved ones.

Pam Olivieri

July 19, 2012

Sea world will never be the same without you Dawn, you were an amazing woman and your love lives on in your family, friends and those of us you inspired.

June 17, 2012

Thinking of your family - our daughter was a trainer with Dawn

Sherry Gleason

June 17, 2012

May God bless you and your family.

June 17, 2012

Dear Dawns husbands and family I m Jon Ferguson Enjoy going to sea world we will missed dawn I'm one her fans she was a special lady at sea world I enjoy spend the shows there god bless you Jon Ferguson

Jon Ferguson

June 16, 2012

Dear the brancheau family
My name is Jon Ferguson
I'm so sorry about dawn she will be missed alot by her fans at sea world my prays go out to you I'm one of her fans god bless you Jon Ferguson

Jon Ferguson

June 15, 2012

We miss you so much Dawn you will always be in our heart and minds. We feel you at Sea World everytime we go. Rest our Angel.....

Joann Nannini

February 26, 2012

My condolences to Dawn's family. It has been nearly two years...it doesn't feel that long. She was lovely, her death so tragic. May the Lord bring you comfort.

Leslie

February 9, 2012

Michelle

January 13, 2012

dawn not a day goes by that don't think of you and wish you were here with us, you will always live in our hearts, your impact was great on so many lives. love you beautiful lady.

jackie

December 11, 2011

Still think of you every day, Dawn, here in Plano, TX.

Gleason family

October 27, 2011

She was inspiring, wonderful and self oriented with a goal in her life. To assist creatures like Tilikum. I am proud to know she came from the US because she made a bigg change for us and she gave us a new reason to believe in ourselves. She was very interested and excited to work as a trainer for SEAWORLD when she went for her first time when she 11 years old. Well she reached for her dream far enough she accomplished it. Thank you Ms Dawn Brancheau.
<3 Martha Jolly

Martha Jolly

October 26, 2011

My cousin first told me about you and i would like to work in sea world to. i want to work with the dolphins. my cousin jordan and i look up to you and miss you. we wish you could come back and work with tilly. jordan wants to work with the killer whales like you. we love and miss you. you will always be in our hearts.

Peyton Braud

July 15, 2011

Still missing your beautiful smile!

July 15, 2011

God wanted an awesome trainer in heaven. A sweet,careful,loving,beautiful,and very INSPIRING person and he defiantly got her! Not a day passes by when i don't think about you. I want to follow in your footsteps! I miss you so much wait for me at the golden gates! i saw you at Sea world before i cant believe your gone! every time i go to Sea world i cry even if it isn't the Orlando one. you have touched so many lives especially mine. TRUST ME! you were just so AMAZING! if only i could rewind and warn you what was coming so this didn't happen to you. I know exactly what i want to do when i get older and when people ask me the answer will be "FOLLOW IN DAWN THERESE BRANCHEAU'S FOOTSTEPS!" and if they ask why my answer will be "BECAUSE SHE MEANS THE WORLD TO ME AND SHE IS SO INSPIRING!" As soon as i heard about your death i knew that it was going to hurt not only me but so many others! Some people blame it on Tilly but I don't because he's a whale! You wouldn't be very happy if you saw all these things people say about him! Dawn i could go on and on about you! I can't get over your death. I will ALWAYS remember you! RIP!!! I LOVE AND MISS YOU!

Jordan LeJeune

June 23, 2011

Roses are red, violets are blue Dawn is in Hevan and oneday we will be too! You were so pretty I saw the pic of you holding the little kitty. You loved the whales. I met you but only once. You inspire me I want to be an orca whale trainer. You knew the risks and took them wow you were brave I hope someday I will be just like you you were really beautiful and I know you are watching the whales from hevan and training Kalina. I just can't believe your gone! There isnt a day that goes by when I dont think about you! I know we will meet again oneday! Please wait for me at the golden gates! I promise I wont be late I will always follow in your footsteps I love you!!

Jordan LeJeune

June 23, 2011

god wanted a beautiful,amazing,caring,loving,and inspiring woman and he got it! not a day passes by that i dont think about you! when i got to seaworld yesterday i literally cried! i miss you dawn you inspire me its always been my dream to be an orca whale trainer! rip and i love you!

jordan lejeune

June 23, 2011

I met Dawn she was SO sweet it was always my dream to be an orca trainer and she is the one who inspires me and told me how to get started! I can't believe shes gone she was such an inspiration! But GOD wanted her and now shes training Kalina in hevan! RIP Dawn I love you!!!!

Jordan LeJeune

June 23, 2011

You're on our minds today, Dawn. Love, peace, and strength to your family, friends, and coworkers who are keeping your legacy alive every single day.

the Gleason family

May 1, 2011

Salutes by [email protected] from Italy!

Roberto Capuozzo

April 30, 2011

Our daughter Kristi was a trainer with Dawn, and not a day passes that we don't think of Dawn and of what she means to so many people.

We want you to know that Dawn, her family, friends, and coworkers are still in our prayers, each and every day.

the Gleason Family

April 10, 2011

It's hard to believe its been one year since the world lost you beautiful Dawn, I pray that GOD will be with your family and everyone who loves you, you touched so many lives with your love- we'll always remember and miss you. Your life was an example to us all , if only we could be more like you and enjoy every moment of this beautiful world, what a place this would be.

February 26, 2011

One year has passed and still our hearts mourn your passing. May peace come to your friends and family. God Bless ~

February 25, 2011

I never had the chance to meet Dawn but was very touched by her death and often think of her and how god had other plans for this angel .

Caroline Cullen

February 19, 2011

It was a true honor to be able to meet Dawn in person, she made me so happy being able to see her doing what she loved. It was very obvious she was enjoying it..her smile gave it away. You truly are special Dawn, you will be loved and missed.

Taz Lawrence

February 19, 2011

I've never met Miss Brancheau, however, I look forward to seeing in heaven.

Lucas Ammons

January 28, 2011

I have watched some video tributes of Dawn. She is someone special. For those of you who are blessed to have been a big part of Dawn's life, I know you will forever treasure that blessing. She is someone I would have liked to have known. She's a beautiful person with a very contagious smile that I believe you will see again. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Susan Baird

January 20, 2011

I wish that i could change what happened that awful rainy day, its still so hard to understand why. You will always be remembered for the amazing miracle you are, a one of a kind angel- we love you.

December 30, 2010

Dawn,i never met you,but you were an inspiration to all who loves animals. To be able to work with killerwhales,is something not everyone can do. Rest in peace Dawn.

tracie fowler

December 29, 2010

Many people known and unknown to you, Dawn, still sense what a great loss it is to have lost you.
Your first Christmas in heaven, rest in peace!

December 23, 2010

Still Missing You Dawn!

December 22, 2010

Miss your spirit at the stadium Dawn, you are forever in our hearts and thoughts. Praying that the Lord will be with Scott and your family during this holiday season.

December 18, 2010

I have been to Seaworld on many occasions and have always enjoyed the whale show. I have seen Dawn perform with the whales many, many times. She was amazing with those animals - she truly made it an amazing show. We are planning our next vacation down to Florida and she will be greatly missed from our Seaworld visit. Rest in Peace, Dawn. You were an amazing trainer!

Anne Diehl

December 16, 2010

Rest your soul in peace right next to the Lord Dawn, while we remember you and miss you here on Earth, as the happy, lovely and friendly person that you are. God bless your family today and always...

Marianne Hernandez

December 10, 2010

Dawn's natural ability and gifts as a trainer shine through each performance. No one may ever understand why Tilikum did what he did, but Dawn was truly his best friend and I just can't imagine that he hurt her deliberately. I would imagine that the whales still look for her, even Tilikum. To Scott: May your memories change from painful to happy cherished memories with a great lady. You can hold your head high and know that Dawn made a huge difference and taught millions of people through out her career about these beautiful animals. I know nothing can bring her back, but she will never be comepletely gone as long as we all carry her work and knowledge forward. She was blessed to have a suppporting and loving husband. Know that her love for you will always be around you. I am deeply sorry for your loss and for her family. May time bring you all peace.

Laura Peterson

November 23, 2010

Thinking of you and yours today, Dawn.

Gleason family

November 11, 2010

I miss you Dawn. Rest in piece and swim on!!!!

Patrick Davis

November 7, 2010

i will never forget your brilliant smile, amazing talent and love for your whales and everyone who had the honor of meeting you. The happiness that radiated from you is so palatable, we didn't have to know you personally to feel how awesome you were. I pray that GOD is holding you in the palm of his hand.

jackie

September 19, 2010

Every day I think about you.You are a amazing person Dawn.You are my hero and you will alwase be my hero.

Katelyn Hancock

September 12, 2010

The day you passed another mermaid appeared!

Patricia groce

September 4, 2010

I can't belive it's been almost seven months sence dawn died. I'll be coming to seaworld for my birthday in december dawn was awsome trainer and she loved her job doing what she loved to do. Now she's with my mom in haven looking down at us.

nikki amadio

August 29, 2010

In your beautiful memory, Dawn. Thoughts still are and always will be with your family, friends, and coworkers.

The Gleasons

August 15, 2010

What a special person you must have been! Rest in peace!

August 14, 2010

Miss ya kiddo!

July 21, 2010

Showing 1 - 100 of 1,504 results

Make a Donation
in Dawn Brancheau's name

Memorial Events
for Dawn Brancheau

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

How to support Dawn's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dawn Brancheau's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more