Dawn LaChance

On August 6, 2019, Dawn Elaine (Perkins) LaChance of Riverdale Park, MD, passed peacefully to eternal life at home at the age of 57. She was the wife of William Edward LaChance, Jr.; mother of Taylor Elaine LaChance, William Edward LaChance, III, and John Wesley LaChance; and sister of Traci Lynne Perkins and Lisa Marie McManus. Preceding her in death were her parents, Edward Sands and Della Elaine Perkins, and her sister, Kelley Ann Perkins.

A woman of many talents, Dawn carried her challenges with grace, quiet confidence, and perseverance. All will miss her kindness, generosity, quiet authority, and keen perception, especially her family, friends, the organizations of her children’s schools, the Cubs and Scouts she taught and mentored, and those that passed by her desk at the U.S. Probation Office over the many years.

Dawn led her extended family in working for and donating dishes to St. Jerome's Café, a ministry that supports and serves meals to the poor and needy of our community. She was an active St. Jerome’s School Mom and a member of the DeMatha Senior Boosters. Dawn was a Cub Scout Bear Leader for Pack 224, not only for her sons, William and John, but for many others. When her sons crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 224, she became a Troop Committee Member and served as Treasurer and as Chair. She was delighted to sit on the Boy Scout Boards of Review of her former Cub Scout charges, especially those who were about to achieve Eagle.

In 2013, Dawn began her courageous battle with colon cancer. But rather than lament her illness and treatment side effects, she chose to focus on what she could contribute to her community. She perfected her crocheting skills, and despite her inability to feel in her fingers due to the chemotherapy, her stitches were magnificently perfect. Dawn created hundreds of baby blankets for hospital nurseries all over the DC area. She shared her artistry and love of crocheting with all the babies she knew and so many more that she never met.

A quintessential cat woman – she entertained the local cats and at last count she had four – Dawn was also an avid naturalist. After her diagnosis, she and her loving husband, Bill, extended their bucket list, visiting all 50 states and camping in 39. The Hawaiian Islands were one of their favorite haunts. This summer they were providing logistical support to their daughter, Taylor, as she hiked the Appalachian Trail.

Family and friends may call at Gasch’s Funeral Home, P.A., 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD on Sunday, August 11th, 2019 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, August 12th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 5205 43rd Avenue, Hyattsville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, P O Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.