Our angel Dawn Elaine Zielenski, 63, received her wings on Friday February 24th, 2023 while surrounded by her loving family.  Dawn was the daughter of the late Harry and Ann Oleynick. She was born in Oneida, NY and raised in Verona, NY.  She graduated from V.V.S. Central High School and went on to be a certified Dental Assistant and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  She was most recently employed as an LPN at Digestive Disease Medicine of Central New York.

Dawn was a loving wife, mother, and sister who was always extremely devoted to caring for her family. She considered her greatest achievement to be raising two children with admirable values, who uphold many of her endearing qualities. She possessed a certain elegance, class, and uniqueness that was her own and rarely seen. She was never boastful or resentful — always a realist who found the best method to take care of everyone and everything.

Among her many exceptional talents, being a well-accomplished artist was one of her most cherished. Dawn created many oil and watercolor paintings throughout her life and won the 'Jurors Choice Award' with her oil painting at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Sidewalk Art Show in 2021. She also had a great love for horses since childhood and considered horseback riding her lifelong passion. She had a natural connection and extensive knowledge with everything in nature, often enjoying gardening and walks through the woods. She kept the house warm and bright with flowers, always filled with her beauty and love.

Dawn will always be greatly missed, admired, and remembered for her gentle, kind, and humble spirit. She is survived by her husband Michael, son Michael (partner Fallon), her daughter Rachael (partner Tom), her sister Diane (Richard) Crill,  her fur grandbaby King, and her beloved horse Camelot. Dawn is predeceased by her parents, Harry and Ann Oleynick. Her surviving family would like to extend its gratitude to her friends, family, and colleagues who offered such tremendous support, encouragement, and prayers. Through those who had the privilege of knowing and loving Dawn, her legacy will continue to live on forever.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass in honor of Dawn that will be held on Saturday March 18th, 2023 at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Church, 4 Cottage Place Utica, NY 13502 from 12:30pm-1:30pm followed by a celebration of life at the Fort Schuyler Club House 254 Genesee St. Utica, NY 13502 at 2pm. The Spring burial will  be at 11 a.m. today June 10, 2023 at the South Trenton Cemetery, Barneveld, NY.
Arrangements have taken place with the John L. Matt Funeral Home.