Obituary of Catherine Anne Dawn

Catherine Anne Dawn

(November 13, 1962 - December 10, 2019)

Catherine Anne Dawn of Camrose, Alberta, formerly of Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at the age of 57 years.

Cathy was born on November 13, 1962, to Arthur and Isabella McIsaac in Stephenville Crossing, NL, and was the youngest of sixteen children. She grew up in nearby Stephenville until she moved west to Fort McMurray, AB in 1980; it was at that time that she met the love of her life and future husband, Mervin Dawn. They had their first date in February of 1981 and were married soon after on July 24, 1982. They welcomed their first son, Christopher Dawn, on May 1, 1986. Shortly after, they moved to Calgary, AB, in which they welcomed their second son, Jeremy Dawn, on May 21, 1988. Cathy worked as a stay at home mom for eleven years, until receiving her Educational Assistant Diploma from the University of Calgary. Cathy then worked as an Educational Assistant for the next twenty years, touching many lives and leaving her warm-hearted mark along the way. Her creativity within the schools she worked in was much sought after, whether it was arts and crafts, over the top costume design, or props for drama performances; in fact, many “Cathy Dawn Originals” adorn the walls in the homes of her two sons. In 2000, the family picked up and moved to Whitehorse, YT for six years until the boys completed their respective high school educations. Following that, Cathy and Mervin moved back to where it all began – Fort McMurray. This stint up in northern Alberta was not nearly as long as the first time, only staying for two years until finally settling in Camrose, AB in 2008.

Cathy always had a passion for being a positive influence and helping others without question. She saw the best in everybody she encountered and would often flash her welcoming smile to brighten any situation. Cathy’s fondest memories were all the fun times shared with family and friends at Midnapore Lake in Calgary and the annual Dawn camping trips throughout Saskatchewan and western Canada. Her favourite holiday undoubtedly was Christmas; she enjoyed spending time surrounded by family and her beautifully decorated Christmas tree in which each ornament was placed with the utmost care and precision.

Left to cherish Cathy’s memory are her loving husband Mervin; two sons, Christopher (Kirsten) and Jeremy (Samantha); and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Isabella McIsaac.

Cathy’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff members from the Cross Cancer Institute Chemotherapy Centre in Edmonton and St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose for their impeccable level of care and compassion.

A Funeral Service was held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 16, 2019, from the Burgar Memorial Chapel with Deacon Doug Tien officiating.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Catherine's memory may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute Chemotherapy Centre, or to Palliative Care at St. Mary's Hospital.