Dawn Marie Hulsart, 45, died Tuesday evening, March 10, at her home, with her family by her side, after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born June 19, 1974 in Windsor, VT, the daughter of Ray W. and Linda (Burch) Penn. Dawn grew up in Windsor and graduated from Windsor High School. She went on to receive her Hair Stylist Certificate at New England School of Hair Design in West Lebanon, NH.

Dawn began her career as a Hair stylist at Ultimate Images in Quechee, VT where she worked for a few years before moving to Massachusetts. She had several successful years at two different JCPenney locations in Massachusetts as their manager. Dawn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 22, which took away any chance she had for having children.

There was nothing more that Dawn wanted than to be a mom, so in 2005 she and Robert Hulsart traveled to China and on October 10 of that year she adopted her beautiful eight-month-old baby girl. Dawn named her Darian, a name she had picked out since she was a teenager, and she instantly became the center of Dawn's life. Following her divorce in 2013, she and Darian returned to the Upper Valley. She reconnected an old friendship with Mark N. Woodward. They have been together for the past seven years.

Dawn, Mark and Darian had many wonderful vacations and adventures. Dawn enjoyed living for the moment and made the most out of every opportunity to travel and make memories. They took trips to Paris, Mexico, Florida, Yellowstone National Park, Jamaica and many others.

She loved photography, hiking, kayaking and doing many things with Darian. She always had a smile no matter what the situation. She had many sayings and the one that sticks out the most was, "Life is too short to worry about the small stuff". She will be remembered for her incredible optimism, strength, compassion, positivity, her "Off the Wall" sense of humor and her open and honest personality.

Dawn is survived by her companion, Mark N. Woodward, and her daughter, Darian E. Hulsart; parents, Ray and Linda Penn of Windsor; two brothers, Timothy Penn of Knoxville, TN and Christopher Penn of Windsor, VT; sister, Angela Mullins of Reading, VT several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Everett Penn.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 17 ^th from 6-8PM at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT. A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, March 18 ^th at 6PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held at a later date in the Hartford Cemetery in White River Jct.

In lieu of Memorial contributions Mark believes Dawn would you want you to take a trip or do an activity with loved ones, make memories, have fun and take many pictures.