Dawn R. Dillinger

Dawn R. Dillinger, age 55, of Westfield, formerly of Greenfield and Anderson, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2026.. She was born on December 30, 1970, in Ferkessédougou, Côte d’Ivoire, to Dr. Stephen M. and Lenatte A. (Montzka) Dillinger. Dawn spent much of her childhood in Côte d’Ivoire, where she attended boarding school Ivory Coast Academy and formed many lifelong friendships. She later moved to Greenfield and graduated from Greenfield-Central High School in 1989. She began her career as a veterinary technician at Dara Veterinary Clinic in Greenfield and later worked briefly for the Animal Protection League. In time, she found her true calling as a Licensed Esthetician in Carmel, Indiana, where she built a successful career and touched the lives of countless clients.

From a young age, Dawn had a heart that belonged to animals, especially dogs.  Her love for animals knew no bounds and she was simply incapable of turning away a creature in need, with her home and heart always open to all.  The countless animals she rescued, cared for, and helped place in loving homes stand as a lasting testament to her compassion, generosity, and selflessness.

As an esthetician, Dawn was exceptionally talented and deeply devoted to her craft. Her work brought her tremendous joy. To Dawn, an appointment was never just about skincare; it was therapy, friendship, laughter, and healing all wrapped into one. Her clients knew they were in the hands of someone who genuinely cared about their well-being, and many became dear friends.

Dawn was fiercely independent, unapologetically herself, and met life’s challenges with humor, courage, and resilience. She possessed a rare beauty that radiated from the inside out. She lived authentically, loved wholeheartedly, and danced through life to her own soundtrack, barefoot and free-spirited. Dawn recently stated "Tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us!! We truly have a choice every day to wake up and LIVE OUT LOUD!!!” Those words were more than a saying; they were the way she lived her life.Though her presence will be deeply missed, those whose lives she touched are better for having known her.

Dawn is survived by her sisters, Kathryn Larson, Amy Lorentsen (James), and Sarah Dillinger; her nieces and nephews, Christina Larson, Kendra Schultz (Kenneth), Jeremiah Larson, Addison Lorentsen, and Zachary Lorentsen; and her great-nieces, Hailey, Charlotte, and Grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Stephen M. and Lenatte A. (Montzka) Dillinger.

Forever fabulous, forever loved, forever missed.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. at Seals Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 122 W. STAAT STREET, FORTVILLE, IN 46040. A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 1 P.M.

Those wishing to honor her memory may send flowers or make a donation in her name to the Animal Protection League, Inc., Anderson, IN (www.inapl.org).

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