Dawn Michelle Brooks (Dawn Mega) Obituary & Funeral Arrangements | St. Mary’s First Nation
The community of St. Mary’s First Nation in New Brunswick is mourning the loss of Dawn Michelle Brooks, known to many as Dawn Mega, who passed away on , at the Saint John Regional Hospital. She was 36 years old.
Born in Fredericton, NB, on , Dawn was the eldest daughter of Michael Brooks. Her passing follows a long struggle with addiction and complications from pneumonia, and marks a reunion with her late mother, Ann-Marie Brooks, and brother Michael, in the spirit world, according to family statements.
Those who knew Dawn remember her as a fiercely loving and generous individual, a woman who consistently put others before herself. Friends recall her willingness to offer advice, a listening ear, or simply a supportive presence. She leaves behind three children, Jakobi, Brooklyn, and Karma, as well as her father, Michael Brooks, sisters Miranda Brooks and Chyenne Brooks (with her husband, Mike), grandmother Vivian Paul, uncle Shawn Paul, and aunts Bernadette Henry, Edna Paul, and Laura Underhill (with her husband, Peter). Her special niece, Layla, along with numerous cousins and a wide circle of friends who she considered family, likewise mourn her loss.
Beyond her personal connections, Dawn was a creative soul, finding joy in drawing, and writing. She embraced life with a vibrant energy, enjoying loud music, poutines, Big Macs, Pepsi, and the color purple. Despite facing significant challenges throughout her life, she remained resilient and determined, often described as the life of the party, touching the lives of all who had the honor of knowing her.
Dawn’s legacy is one of loyalty, love, and resilience. Those who knew her speak of her selflessness, strength, warm presence, and generous spirit, qualities that will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. She possessed a remarkable capacity for empathy and support, often offering healing and uplifting energy to those around her.
The family has expressed sincere gratitude to the ICU department at the Saint John Regional Hospital for the care, respect, and kindness shown towards Dawn and their family. Their efforts to save her will not be forgotten.
A special fire will be lit today, , at 5 PM. Dawn will then be resting at the Maqiyahtimok Centre, 247 Maliseet Drive, for the family from 6-7 PM, and for the community and public from 7-9 PM. This will continue until her celebration of life at the Maqiyahtimok Centre on , at 2 PM, with Father Curtis Sappier officiating. A feast will follow the service.
In a statement released by the family, Dawn is remembered as now being “free from the pain she carried for so long, the demons she faced and her addiction that haunted her.” Her memory will live on in the stories shared and the love carried forward, especially through her children. The family concluded with the phrase, “Apc-oc Knomiyal.”
Dawn Brooks was also known for her work as the Administrator at St. Mary’s First Nation Adult Maliseet Immersion Program. Even as details of her contributions to the program were not immediately available, her role highlights her commitment to her community and the preservation of Maliseet language and culture.
The passing of Dawn Michelle Brooks, Dawn Mega, is a significant loss for St. Mary’s First Nation and all who knew her. She will be remembered not only for her vibrant spirit and generous heart, but also for her resilience in the face of adversity and her dedication to her family and community.