Dawn Olander

Dawn (Snyder) Olander, 64, of Pawtucket, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 2, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Stanley R. Snyder and Blanche L. (Charron) Snyder. Dawn was the beloved mother of her two children, Dillon G. Olander of Pawtucket, and Rachel D. Olander of North Adams and her husband Harrison A. Sloan, and cherished wife of Gary S. Olander.

The youngest daughter of seven children, Dawn is survived by her sisters Cynthia (Snyder) Caraccia and her husband Frank, Charlene (Snyder) Dwyer, Diane (Snyder) Narkawich and her husband Dennis, as well as her twin brother, Craig Snyder, and his wife Charlene (Lagasse). She was predeceased by her brothers Ross Snyder, whose wife Donna survives him, and Keith Snyder. Dawn also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, and countless former colleagues who will forever cherish her memory.

Dawn and all her siblings knew from an early age she was called to be a teacher, and she dedicated decades to the Pawtucket School Department, helping raise over seven hundred children with her kindness and unwavering commitment to their growth, making sure everyone felt included.

Dawn knew true joy was in life’s simple pleasures. She taught her children to save every spider because she read Charlotte’s Web when she was eight years old, and reminded others to listen to the rain, feel the ocean waves, bathe in the sun, watch the sunset, and feed the birds.

Above all, Dawn treasured her family and friends, who meant everything to her. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her sweet and thoughtful generosity, her kind heart, her bright and welcoming smile, her quickness to laugh, and the warmth she brought wherever she went. Dawn said she believed in love. She knew her family loved her and that her family knew she loved them, and nothing else mattered. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Dawn’s Life will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 11:00AM – 2:00PM at the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com