Dawn MacKenzie of Fergus, Ontario died at home on Friday, October 28 with her husband, daughters, and sisters by her side.

Dawn was born in Marathon, Ontario the first daughter of Connie and Willard MacKenzie. She loved growing up in Marathon where she excelled in sports, had many friends, and great adventures. After high school Dawn moved to Toronto, attended college, built her career, and had her daughters.

She is survived and missed by her husband, Steve Walentynski, her daughters Taylor and Teagan Burke, her sisters Lisa (Carl Clutchey) and Vaughna, as well as her stepsons Jamie (Elaine) and Andrew (Amanda) and two grandsons, Liam and Owen Walentynski.

Dawn is also survived by her sister-in-law Anna (Martin), nephews Shaughn, Scott, and Linden Clutchey, and nephew and niece Joshua and Ryleigh White, and one uncle, Neil (Bev) Harris, her aunts Shirley Crawford, Mary-lu MacKenzie, and Evola MacKenzie, as well as her father’s cousin Laura Walsh, and many cousins. She will especially be missed by her cousin Naomi Niles. Dawn was predeceased by her mother in 2018 and her father in June.

Dawn met Steve more than 25 years ago through mutual friends at work. They built their life together raising a blended family, taking holidays throughout Eastern and Western Europe, Canada, and the US; they spent more than a few New Year’s Eves tipsy in Times Square, and saw all their favourite bands in big and small venues. Most importantly, they spent as much time as possible at their cottage on Whitestone Lake.

Dawn was prone to fits of giggles, getting the lyrics wrong, and driving too fast. She was a quintessential oldest daughter, big sister, and mama bear. Her family was her priority and - like her mom and dad - having a full house made her the happiest. Dawn loved sports, fashion, and decorating. Seeing music was her passion; with Naomi she took 10 festival cruises in the Caribbean and she and Vaughna tried to see a few shows a year in Toronto.

She will be remembered for her strength, bravery, and resilience. A private celebration of life and interment will be held in Marathon in the Spring of 2023.

Dawn’s family would like to thank her home nurse Jessie and Dr. Lund who provided the most compassionate care over the last few months. They would also like to recognize and thank the tireless nursing staff at Credit Valley Hospital.

Please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society in Dawn’s memory.