Dawn Marie Tobias Mawhinney

It’s with heavy hearts that the family of Dawn Marie Tobias Mawhinney announces her passing at the Saint John Regional hospital on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in Saint John, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lloyd and Frances (Gallagher) Essensa.

Dawn lived a life filled with family, friendship, and the simple pleasure that brought her joy.  She loved wandering through her favorite stores, not because she needed anything but because she delighted in finding little things that made her think of the people she loved.  She looked forward to every Friday to have lunch with her closest friends, a tradition that she treasured. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren where she cherished every moment spent with them. When October came around Dawn and Arnold happily left the cold Canadian winter for the warmth of Florida until March, a tradition they had for 16 years.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Arnold Mawhinney; sons Daniel Tobias and Michael Tobias; grandchildren Aliyah McIllwraith, Aidyn Tobias, Parker Tobias and Eli Tobias; brother Dale Essensa; as well as many close friends.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB E2J 2G3; (506)646-2424.  Visitation will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 4pm – 7pm. A celebration of life will be held in the Fundy Chapel on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 11am.