Dawn Marie Anderson, 55, of Fords, passed away on December 31, 2021.  Born December 18, 1966, in Jersey City, NJ, to Rosemary Anderson, Dawn grew up in the city with her mother and siblings.  She was always a free spirit and before graduating from Dickinson High School, she managed to move out of her childhood home to brave the world on her own.   Her travels took her from Jersey City to Puerto Rico and Hollywood Florida.  She eventually returned to Fords, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Dawn was a Phlebotomist and a full-time Mom. She chose a career that would allow her to help others and make a difference in people's lives, no matter how small. She truly enjoyed the little things in life from riding her bike to just staying in and watching movies. You could often find her red hair splayed across the sand of many beaches, just like The Little Mermaid. Above all else, she loved spending time with her children and pets. She was a very proud mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and loyal friend.

Dawn was predeceased by her daughter, Brittany Nicole Torres and her brother, Michael Anderson.

Her spirit is carried on by her four boys whom made up the entirety of her world: Anthony Torres-Anderson of Fords, her miracle and first-born son; Kyle O'Keeffe who is currently stationed in Hawaii serving in the US Army; Nicholas O'Keeffe, the family saint, of Fords; and Kevin O'Keeffe, Jr. of Fords, her little old soul. She is also survived by her companion, Kevin O'Keeffe, Sr. of Fords; her dear mother, Rosemary Anderson of Woodbridge; her brother, Robert Anderson, of Las Vegas; her sister, Cheryl and her husband, Angel Casabona, of Florida; her grandmother, Eileen Lonnay, of Keyport; her beloved dog, Joy, and cat, Arya; and many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and wonderful friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Dawn's family on Thursday, January 6, from 4-7 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords, New Jersey, 08863.  Final visitation for the immediate family will begin at 9:30 am on Friday, January 7, followed by a 10 am public Funeral Liturgy at Holy Rosary Church, 188 Wayne Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Memorial Park, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ 07031.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dawn's name to the COPDFoundation.org