Dawn Louise Miller

ANGELICA- Dawn Louise Miller, 81, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on March 3rd, 2026. She is survived by her beloved dog Kylo, her children, John Gugino, Michelle Ellsessor and Valerie Gugino (Don Coen). Along with her grandchildren Kristen Babbitt (Nate Hunsinger), Brandon Ellsessor (Alex Condon), Luke Ellsessor, Brock Ellsessor, Frank Smith, Nicole (Dustin) Smith, Charlea (Colton) Gascon, Adrian Gugino, Sophia Gugino, Daphne Gugino, and her 26 great grandchildren. Along with many cousins and her best friend of over 40 years, Amy LaForge Hart. Dawn was predeceased by her father Carrol Burdick, her mother Merabah Burdick, and her ex-husband and good friend, Tom Gugino.

Dawn was born on May 28th, 1944 in Hornell, NY. She grew up on her mother and father's farm in Andover, NY. She was a graduate of Andover Central School class of 1962. During her senior year of high school, she played the French Horn and was a member of the Orchestra, Pep Band, and the Senior Band. After graduating high school, she attended the Olean Business Institute. For most of her life she worked for the Allegany ARC. Dawn had a generous and gracious heart, which was shown every day. While being employed with the ARC, she would bring residents home to celebrate holidays with her family.

Dawn spent most of her life traveling the world. Her children recalled going on a vacation every summer from Florida, to Oklahoma, to the Grand Canyon and everywhere in between. In her later years, she took many cruises with her friend Amy. Together, they traveled through Central America, and Europe. Dawn visited over 10 countries in her life. She loved to tell stories of her travels, and bring home little pieces from around the world. Amy plans to continue their love for traveling and carrying Dawn's memory and spirit with her to every beautiful place.

Dawn loved her family fiercely with all of her heart. She enjoyed visits from her grandchildren, going on small road trips whenever asked, impromptu dinner or lunches, and sharing her love of reading through trips to the library with family. Her home was the sounding board for her entire family, every wall filled with her family's love. Thanksgiving and Christmas she would watch over 50 members of her family fill her home with laughter, the patter of children's feet and conversations from every corner. Dawn was the glue for her family. Her doors were always open, even to those beyond family. Dawn cared deeply for her community, and opened her home to anyone. After graduation Kristen, Frank and Brandon found comfort in living at Grandma's house. Sophia and Daphne also had the pleasure of living with Grandma for a majority of their lives, alongside their dad, John.

Dawn was an avid knitter, always knitting baby blankets for her new great grandchild. She would donate sweaters, scarves, and baby hats to the hospitals. Dawn always had multiple projects started, with another idea brewing in her mind. Her home was always filled with way too much yarn to know what to do with. When she wasn't knitting, she was likely reading. It is possible that she read every James Patterson novel ever published. Her love of reading was shared with many of those around her. She would read to all of her family members, and tried to ensure that reading became an important part of their lives as well. Dawn was a proud supporter of music and the arts, attending all of her family's concerts, recitals, and musicals. She loved listening to live music and attending the theatre. She supported all of her family's creative pursuits, and loved to watch them perform. Her home was filled with artwork from her family, and her fridge was never empty of their accomplishments. Dawn rescued three dogs from the Allegany County SPCA: Max, Tucker and Kylo. She loved having a companion to watch TV with, take on walks around town, and to spoil. She saw her dogs as her family, and they all loved, and protected her deeply. Grandma's house would not have been Grandma's house without her pets.

Dawn had a strong faith and was a regular member of the First Alfred Seventh Day Baptist Church, where she was a clerk and trustee. On Tuesdays, she volunteered her time at the Op Shop run by her church. Chris Mattison was not only her cousin but also her Pastor. He visited her in her home during her last days to sing hymns and bring the blessing of the Lord.

"Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." - John 16: 20-22

Per Dawn's request, there will be no services. Her family will meet at a later date to celebrate and honor her life.

Fly Birdie Fly

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Allegany County SPCA at P.O. Box 381 Belmont, NY 14813.

Funeral arrangements are with the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica.

To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.