Dawn Lamitie Elias, 65, of Seneca Falls, passed after a brief illness, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, on Saturday, April 18th, 2026. A time for family and friends to gather will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, with a funeral service to immediately follow at 5:00 PM at Doran Funeral Home, 4 East Bayard St., Seneca Falls. The Golisano Children’s Hospital Child Life Program was near and dear to Dawn, so donations in her memory may be directed there via mail at: Child Life 619-11, Golisano Children’s Hospital, 575 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, or toys can be dropped off in person at the Main Desk in the Children's Hospital Lobby, 150 Crittenden Blvd. Upper Circle, Rochester, NY 14620 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Dawn was born in Rome, NY, daughter of the late John and Barbara (Minnoe) Lamitie. She grew up in Port Byron, graduating from Port Byron Central High School, Class of 1978. She moved to the Seneca Falls area in the mid 1990’s and has called this area home since.

Dawn enjoyed being involved in her community, both personally and professionally. She was a long-time employee of the Finger Lakes Times where she spent over 20 years there working as a media and marketing consultant, only just recently retiring. Over the years, Dawn also held positions at Belhurst Castle, where she was the marketing director, and was also the first General Manager at WFLK Radio station. Her commitment to the area extended beyond her career. She was a member of Geneva Rotary, Geneva Kiwanis Club, where she was elected as the first female President; and also served on the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, and the Seneca County of Tourism boards.

Dawn was always the life of the party. She loved music, especially classic rock and country, and dancing was high on her list of favorite activities. She loved to be out on the water, whether it was fishing or spending time with those that meant the most to her, when she was on the water, life was good. At home, she loved to cook, especially for her family and friends. Her pasta fagioli and her broccoli casserole were second to none.

Dawn is survived by her husband of almost 5 years, Steve; daughters, Jennifer (Dave Wicks) Jacobs, Stacey (Andrew) Moore; granddaughters, Julia and Clara Jacobs, Hannah Altemari; sisters, Jody (Jennifer Day) Lamitie, Jackie (Gary) DeBois, Rhonda (Jim) Lobner; Steve’s children who she considered her bonus children; Timothy Elias, Andrea (Nate) Hendrix, Lee (Krisha) DeMarc, Cherie Smith; and all of their children who were her bonus grandchildren; her favorite dog, Barkley; and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.