Dorene M. Hawkins

Age 79
Branchburg

Dorene M. (Coolbaugh) Hawkins passed away on February 21 at RWJ at Somerset in somerville. Born in Exeter, PA., Dorene grew up in Bradley Gardens. Shortly after graduation from Somerville High School, she moved to Branchburg where she resided for over 20 years. She later lived in Bridgewater and most recently Hillsborough.

Through the years, Dorene followed several career paths. During the 1960s, she drove a school bus for Branchburg Township. Years later she retired from a quality control position with Johnson & Johnson. From there Dorene capitalized on her love and talent for cooking by becoming co-owner/operator of Dorene's Deli in Whitehouse.

Whether creating a new culinary sensation or transforming a battered piece of furniture into a functional work of art, Dorene's artistic spirit was always on display. She will also be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, love of family and friends and heart of gold.

Dorene is survived by her beloved daughter, Brenda Yates of Hillsborough, grandsons John Geiger III and Philip Geiger and great-granddaughters Anabella Geiger and Aria Geiger and siblings Richard Coolbaugh, Lois Unangst and many nieces and nephews. Daughter of the late Carl and Gladys Coolbaugh, Dorene was preceded in death by siblings Robert, Carl and Ned Coolbaugh, Ruth Felter and Evelyn Williams.

A Memorial Service celebrating Dorene's life will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 11am at the Bradley Gardens Community Church, 124 Old York Road, Bradley Gardens.
~FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS~