Dawne A. Birtz, 69 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at UMass Medical Center.
Dawne was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Wilfred J. and Julia L. (Tromovitch) Birtz. She graduated from St. Stephen’s High School. Dawne received a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Elms, a master’s degree in psychology from Assumption College and later her degree for licensed social working from Boston College.
Dawne worked as a licensed independent clinical social worker for 33 years at various companies including Worcester County Hospital and Fallon Hospice. She was also a volunteer at the Aids Ministry. Dawne was very active in her community. She was a founding member of the St. Katherine Drexel Circle, a member of Daughters of Isabella and a past state regent. Dawne was faithful member of St. Stephen’s Church where she participated in the choir, was a eucharistic minister and involved with RCIA. Dawne believed family came first. She enjoyed spending time with all her family because they were of the utmost importance to her.
Dawne is survived by her sister-in-law, Royanne Birtz of Orange Park, FL; four nephews, James Birtz and his wife Jen of Georgia, Jeffrey Birtz of Florida, D. Mark Birtz and his wife Donna of Charlton and Stephen Birtz and his wife JoAnn of North Grafton; four nieces, Lisa Poutre and her husband Daryll of Florida, Susan Ducharme and her husband Francis , Marianne Gemme and her husband Edward all of Rutland and Sandra Evans of Grafton; several great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. Beside her parents, she is predeceased by three brothers, Wilfred E. Birtz, Bennett Birtz and Durwood Birtz; two nephews, Brian Birtz and David Birtz.
Her memorial mass will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. Stephen’s Church,357 Grafton St., Worcester. Burial will be held privately. There are no calling hours. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to have assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: St. Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton St., Worcester, MA. 01604 or St. Katherine Drexel Scholarship Fund, c/o Deborah Slavinskas, 16 Harold St., Worcester, MA. 01604. To share your thoughts and memories of Dawne, please visit her personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com