Dawn Cooper

Dawn Cooper is a loving mother who has raised 4 children and has faced life’s most difficult battles. A Millville resident who was nominated as this month’s Heartland Hero for her commitment to family and determination to do the right thing.

Abandoned at about 3 years old, Dawn was raised on a chicken farm as a foster child. After high school, she went to nursing school in Camden. She graduated there as a registered nurse and met her husband who she remained lovingly dedicated to until he passed from cancer in 2002.
Dawn was a maternity nurse at Newcomb Hospital for 32 years. She has overcome the death of her youngest child from atherosclerosis in 2006, as well as her stillborn 38-week-old great-granddaughter on December 10, 2018. She helped deliver the 38 week old stillborn knowing she had already passed away.

Her daughter, Laura, said, “She is a gentle soul and the kindest most generous person. I only wish I was more like her!!” Nowadays, Dawn helps at a friends business in Millville.

While New Jersey’s Heartland is filled with hidden gems, its biggest treasures are the people who make the region a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. All Heartland Heroes receive a Heartland Heroes Certificate and Gift Basket in recognition of their award. To nominate your Heartland Hero, visit  http://njheartland.org/live/heartland-heroes-nomination-form/.