Dawn outside of the Anna Bissonnette House
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our cherished and beloved colleague Dawn Matchett, who was a dedicated member of our Hearth, Inc. community as the Chief Program Officer, who touched the lives of many residents and staff for over 22 years. Her unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care and support was evident in everything she did. Her kind words of encouragement, and unwavering positivity were a constant source of inspiration to us all. Dawn's amazing work ethic and passion for helping others and to our mission of ending elder homelessness will always be remembered and cherished. Her spirit will continue to live on in the lives she touched, and we will forever be grateful for the impact she had on our community.
““In Dawn we found our literal beating heart and soul. She has taken on every responsibility and title with a sense of pride, driven by the idea that we can always do better. Her work with the elders and leadership with the staff have made Hearth what it is today, a leader in ending elder homelessness.” ”
Dawn Matchett Obituary
Dawn Lynn Matchett of Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, age 52, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2023 after a long battle with breast cancer. In her final days, she was surrounded by her loving family, amazing friends and cat Molly.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Dawn attended Gordon College and went on to receive her Masters degree from Simmons College School of Social Work. For 22 years Dawn served at-risk seniors in the Boston area through her work with Hearth Inc, most recently serving as the Chief Program Officer.
Dawn’s happiest moments were when she was surrounded by family and friends, vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard, celebrating holidays, spending time at the beach and enjoying summer evenings at a vineyard enjoying wine, music and watching the sunset. Her favorite childhood memories included spending summers in South Lyme, CT and swimming in the waters off Point O’ Woods Beach with her mother, brother and friends.
Dawn was a great cook and baker. The warmth and love she poured into her creations were evident in every bite. Beyond her culinary skills, Dawn was a thoughtful and caring person who made everyone around her feel loved and appreciated. She had a special bond with her beloved niece and nephew, Finley and Cole, and relished in being the best aunt.
Dawn is survived by her brother Scott Matchett, sister-in-law Debbie, nephew Cole and niece Finley and her partner for 15 years Kevin Poyant. She was the daughter of the late Carol W. Matchett of Hartford, CT.
A remembrance will be held June 10 from 2pm-4pm at Campbell Funeral Home in Beverly, Massachusetts. Dawn will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, CT.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dawn’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Hearth Inc.