Dawn Romero, devoted wife of Michael and mother to Zachary, went to meet the Lord on May 3, 2023.

Born Dawn Marie Boa to Tom and Belle in Grand Junction, CO, on November 23, 1957, Dawn was the middle child, following son Randall and preceding daughter Robin. In 1970 the family moved to Arvada, where Dawn would go on to graduate from Arvada West High School and compete as a gymnast and diver. While still in high school she was hired for the newly opened Casa Bonita as their first female diver. While working there she met fellow diver and future husband Michael Romero. They were married January 8, 1977 in a candlelight evening ceremony at the Presbyterian church to which her family were members. Their son Zach was born in September the following year.

Dawn and her young family moved to North Denver while she attended Metro State College, where she earned a teaching degree in elementary education. Two years into her teaching career with Denver Public Schools Dawn joined the faculty of Stedman Elementary. When her family moved to northern Arvada in 1984 she continued to commute to Steadman, becoming known for often being the first person on campus each morning, turning on the lights and preparing to welcome students.

For Dawn teaching was more than a job, it was her passion. Her devotion went beyond a student's grades or test scores; she was a co-conspirator in her students' dreams and goals. Dawn deeply believed in the transformative power of high quality education and positive yet honest reinforcement. In her own words, teaching was "an ever-surprising mix of very hard work and ecstatic successes, both big and small. As a teacher I have the power to open wide the doors of future achievement." Dawn was inspired to become an educator at a young age by a teacher she admired. In turn she wanted to nurture a love of learning in her students, saying "their potential is inspiring and I am confident in their ability to succeed."

It was this resolute belief in the innate potential of all students and her commitment to unlocking it that will ensure her legacy lives beyond her days on earth, as was her intent all along. Over the course of 34 years at Stedman Elementary Dawn became a pillar of the school's community and the greater Park Hill community. In a reflection to students, their families, and staff, Principal Michael Atkins noted that Dawn "will forever be remembered for her commitment to students and her devotion to Stedman. The maple tree on our front lawn holds many memories of her feeding her beloved squirrels and sharing conversations with students and families."

Dawn retired from Denver Public Schools in the Fall of 2022, following 36 years of service. While teaching had been at the core of her identity, outside of work she was known as a lover of animals of all kinds, particularly dogs, of which she had many throughout her life. In the last decade of her life Dawn became involved with the Service Dog Project, twice traveling to Massachusetts to volunteer at the organization's farm and animal training facility. Not a fan of flying, Dawn took many family road trips, with one to Yellowstone when her son was in elementary school being a favorite. And while she enjoyed the seasonal pleasure of gardening, she was also known for her love of action films, with her son recalling her taking him to see the first Predator film when it opened, despite still being Little League age.

Dawn was preceded in death by her father Tom, who passed on June 21, 2022. She is survived by her husband Michael; son Zachary (Leela); mother Belle Boa and siblings Randy (Jefferson Carman) and Robin Boa.

A Memorial service will be held, Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 1:00pm at Community of Grace Presbyterian Church, 7755 Vance Dr. Arvada, CO 80003 with a reception to follow at Savy Event Center, 4991 W. 80th Ave., Westminster, CO 80030. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Service Dog Project in Dawn's name.

Written by Dawn for Stedman website;

"Stedman has been my home for 30 plus years. I have been with DPS for 35 years. I teach because education is my passion. Teaching is more than just a job. It's my passion. It's an ever-surprising mix of very hard work and ecstatic successes, both big and small. As a teacher I have the power to open wide the doors of future achievement. I aim to assume this role and in doing so, provide my kids with choices for their futures through a high-quality education. I teach because I know that my students have dreams and goals for their futures and I can move students toward dramatic academic growth. Their potential is inspiring and I am confident in their ability to succeed. When I'm not teaching I enjoy my family, hiking, gardening, and SDP. "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do." –Leonardo da Vinci. "It is not what we do for our children, but what we have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings." –Ann Landers"

https://www.denverpost.com/2010/03/27/helping-students-one-school-and-one-teacher-at-a-time/amp/