Dawn Elenore Zarriello

Dawn Elenore Zarriello, 79, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Dawn was born on October 27, 1946 in St. Paul, Minnesota and moved to Brooklyn Center in 1957. There she graduated from Brooklyn Center High School in 1964. Dawn devoted 43 years to serving the residents at the Park Crest Baptist Care Center, formerly known as the old Baptist Residence, in North Minneapolis. She started working there right out of high school as an Aide and then earned her TMA certificate. Many years later she attended Hennepin Tech to earn her LPN license. She retired at age 61. Through the years, she enjoyed gardening, baking, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Dawn was committed to exercising at the YMCA with her husband on weekdays. She was an encourager and gave selflessly to others. Behind the scenes, Dawn would see others’ needs and her nature was to unconditionally and anonymously help where she could. Her faith and trust in God was unwavering. She wrote in a journal, “No matter what your future holds, I know who holds it. May He keep you in his care till He takes us all to His Heavenly home.” Dawn’s witty sense of humor brought smiles to those around her. She also wrote this self-reflection, “I like paper plates, pens, scratch paper, Coke, humor, hamburgers. I don’t say how I really feel, don’t cry much, don’t say thank you, don’t say I love you, etc. – but you know my head and heart. I do love the gift, love the gesture, the card, the thought.”

Dawn is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Jerry; their children, Bob (Jill) and Carol; grandchildren, Tiffany and Chris, who she adored watching grow up; and her brother, Doug McIndoo. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Elenore McIndoo, and siblings, Dave McIndoo and Diane Brodin.

There will be a celebration of Dawn’s life at Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church on a future date. Memorials received will be designated to Dawn’s favorite charities she supported during her life.