Dawn Anthony walked into the sunset of her final day peacefully on March 28 at the age of 63 at Hospice House in Kelowna BC after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Dawn was born to Sylvia and Russell McDonald on July 18, 1954 in Saskatoon, SK. From the fruitful union of her mother and father, six children were born: two sons (Lindsay and Kelly) and four daughters (Dawn, Sherry, Holly and Mavis). Dawn lived with her family in Saskatoon, SK until they moved to BC. They had intended… Read More » to move to New Zealand, but just prior to that move, when all of their worldly goods had been sold, her father received a job offer he couldn’t refuse and thus they moved instead to North Vancouver, BC. The family moved numerous times in BC, mostly around North Vancouver, but they also lived in Port Moody, Victoria and Campbell River. Dawn was very close to her grandmother (Nora) and grandfather (Bert) and lived with them for a period of time in Ontario. It is likely from Nora that Dawn gleaned her creative talent as Nora was a wonderfully artistic woman. At the age of 33, on December 8 1983, Dawn gave birth to twins, Iain and Sean. They were the pride and joy of Dawn’s life. Her eyes would literally light up every time someone mentioned one of their names. Both Sean and Iain have inherited some of Dawn’s personality. Iain is “in charge” of everything he lends his hand to. Sean is kind and compassionate in nature. Although neither of the two boys inherited her artistic talent, they have become well respected in their career or choice (welding), and both possess an entrepreneurial spirit. After leaving home at the age of 17, Dawn worked for many years in a clerical role for the stock exchange, wineries, notary public. She lived in Fort Nelson for approximately 10 years during Sean’s and Iain’s formative years; they also lived in the Queen Charlotte Islands and Prince George. She loved long walks and nature and if she had her way she would live in a cabin in the middle of the woods with no running water or heat. She knew how to make everything (soap, shampoo, yogurt, etc.). Dawn returned to live in Kelowna approximately 14 years ago. Her last job was with Kelowna Community Resource Centre (KCR) where she has worked for the past 13 years. She often referred to other KCR members as her “family” and said it was the best job she ever had. She also often said that she would work there until they told her not to come in anymore and not a day before. She had no intention of retiring. Family, friends and artistic talent were Dawn’s passion. She was extremely artistic and created many beautiful works of art (drawings, paintings, oils, cross-stitch, crocheting, knitting, etc.). Dawn gave back to the community throughout her entire life, volunteering at the church and running the clothing department, preparing hampers at Christmas time, etc. Dawn was quite hale and hearty until May of 2017 when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 GIST cancer. That was the beginning of the epic journey she travelled during her battle with cancer. Being air-vacced to Vancouver, several surgeries, chemotherapy, etc., being air-vacced back to Kelowna. The nurses in acute care at VGH and the nurses at KGH were absolutely wonderful. After it was determined that the cancer was continuing to grow despite chemotherapy, and her frail health due to the long battle, Dawn elected to be transferred to Kelowna Hospice House on Ethel Street in Kelowna. The nurses from KGH continued to visit her despite her move as well as frequent visits from her KCR family as well as her immediate family members as well. Dawn did not fear death and said she was at peace with transpiring events. However, the day before she died, she told her brother (Kelly), get my fu#%*%&g kids here. She even flipped off the attending nurse. This was a complete juxtaposition to Dawn’s typical caring and compassionate nature. Typically, she would only need to arch her eyebrow to convey her sentiments exactly. As a result, we all knew she meant business and she knew her time was coming to an end. She died quietly and peacefully with her younger sister, Holly, holding her hand. She has now been re-united with her younger sisters (Sherry and Mavis), father (Russell), mother (Sylvia) and grandparents (Nora and Bert). Dawn’s ashes will be strewn in the wind when the family takes a trip to the inside pass; a trip that Dawn often talked of taking. The family wishes to thank all of her caregivers (at VGH, KGH and Hospice House) for their loving care and attention as well as all the friends (KCR) who visited her often. Dawn’s physical presence here on earth will be missed by all of her family and friends but she will not be forgotten by her children, brothers, sisters and by many family members and friends in Kelowna, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Dawn is predeceased by her father (Russell), mother (Sylvia) and younger sisters (Sherry and Mavis). She is survived by her twins (Sean and Iain), younger brothers Lindsay (Barb) and Kelly, her younger sister (Holly), her granddaughter (Elizabeth Wasowicz), her nieces (Ashley, Ambrea, Ali, Shannon, Katie), nephews (Josh, Justin, Jordan). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 28, 2018 at 3:30pm in the Tea Room at Everden Rust. 1910 Windsor Rd. Kelowna. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com 250-860-6440
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dawn Serenalee Althea Anthony July 18 1954 March 28 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
