Lesa Bendler

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

I just found out tonight that Ms. Dawn had passed away. Over 23 years ago, she taught me and three of my sons - violin, viola, cello. Last year she taught one of my grandsons piano - three generations. She helped discover a gifted cellist in one of my sons. She never quit. My love and respect for her runs deep. I will miss her. She lived a full and beautiful life and touched so many lives. You have earned your peaceful rest.

Sierra Caudle

Friday, December 5, 2025

Bill and Dawn were absolutely wonderful people. They welcomed me into their home and cared for me. A very talented, beautiful, and loving couple. I hold many precious memories of them dearly in my heart.

Eileen Burg

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Dawn helped me go back to my joy in making music with the violin and piano. Her support of the orchestra made it a realty. Truly a gifted musician and a big heart. Both Dawn and her husband changed so many foster children's lives. She will be missed.

John Barnes

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Lynda and I extend our sympathy and condolences to Dawn's family. Dawn was a treasure and an inspiration in the musical community of Baxter county. She produced high-quality musical productions in the Ozarks that would usually be found only in large cities. I remember with fondness serving as the organist as Dawn directed the Symphonic Chorus in the 1980's and '90's as they sang Handel's "Messiah", Faure's "Requiem" and Vivaldi's "Gloria". For at least 35 years, Dawn graced St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church playing the violin for the Christmas Eve Concerts and Midnight Masses, where I served as Organist and Choir Director. She was a gifted piano and string instrument teacher, and her memory and legacy will live on in the many musicians she taught. God rest her soul.

Mary Burr

Monday, December 1, 2025

We loved Ms. Dawn! She gave our son Jordan violin lessons for years and taught me piano as well. A great and gracious lady! So sorry to hear of her passing. We loved going to her studio in Gassville. The mature trees lined the gravel road from the Hwy to her driveway. . My children referred to that passage as ''The Mouse Hole''. Her winding driveway in the Spring was always lined with a spectacular array of daffodils. It was such a positive experience each week seeing Ms. Dawn. She had a tree in the middle of the studio that the students loved and made the weekly lesson a treat. Such an extremely talented lady with a true love for teaching music. She loved to teach and did it well! We love you Dawn Cantwell.

Julie Randall

Monday, December 1, 2025

Dawn was a wonderful, encouraging music teacher. She will be missed.

Deborah Johnson

Monday, December 1, 2025

Dawn was not only my childrens music teacher for many years, but also was a good friend. She gave them all a love for music which continues to this day. Her host home also blessed many children that were unable to live with their families. She was a blessing to many and will be missed by the community she served.

Mike and Dianna Roller

Monday, December 1, 2025

Rest in peace, dear one. You have earned your wings. Job well done.
Sincerely,
Mike and Dianna Roller
Gassville, AR

Lucinda R. Shaver

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Dawn was an accomplished musician and loved to teach others. She had an excellent way of explaining anything musical so her younger students could understand. The homeschooling community have held her in high regards and appreciated everything she taught us. She will be remembered and missed.

elaine wood

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Ms. Dawn and Bill will be missed and always in my heart. RIP Ms. Cantwell, you changed my life for the better even though I didn't realize it at the time. Praying for your family. I will never forget how you helped me. Thank you.

Dianna Cranor

Saturday, November 29, 2025

So sorry about Dawn she was a sweet lady

Jennifer Ciesielski

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Mrs. Cantwell, was an amazing lady! that encouraged many individuals, to be successful. She was a Wonderful music teacher, mentor and musician. She will be missed! Prayers and Condolences are with family and all others who knew her.

Fredrick Edwin "Eddie" Dry

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Though I haven't seen Dawn in several years. I thought of her often; she gave me a crocheted beanie and once gave me a crochet lesson (I was a slow learner), she took a biology class at the college that I taught and she played violin at certain campus functions, and I recall her compassion for young people. Dawn inspired me to aim high and to be tireless. My hugs of comfort to her family and to her closest friends.

Katrina Deatherage

Friday, November 28, 2025

Mrs Cantwell was a dear friend, mentor, musician, teacher, and so much more!! Very rarely do I sit at the piano and not think of her. She was my teacher for many years and then a friend the rest. I loved her much!!