Dawn Sawyer

Dawn Marie Sawyer, a beacon of unwavering positivity and boundless love, peacefully left this world on June 6, 2024, in Union City, MI, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on April 10, 1962, in Three Rivers, MI, Dawn's life was a testament to the joy and beauty that can be found in the simplest moments and the most ordinary of days. Dawn's journey was one of warmth and connection. Her radiant smile and compassionate nature were a comfort to all who knew her. She was a partner in life to the late Gerald Steven Gates the father to there beloved three children and she a nurturing mother to her beloved children, Justin Taylor Weinberg, Zachary David Gates, and Kelsee Rose Simmons. Her love extended to her cherished grandchildren, Madilynn Rose Edmonds, Riley Marie Gates, Eli Steven Simmons, and Axel Hugh Simmons, who were the apples of her eye. Her siblings, the late Paul James Featherstone Jr., Lucille May Reingardt, and Paula Gilbo, shared in the tapestry of her life, weaving memories of laughter and support. Dawn held a special bond with her Aunt Donna Mapes, who was like a mother to her, guiding and loving her throughout her journey. Dawn was a lifelong learner, her education began in the halls of her high school and continued every day of her life as she embraced new experiences and people. She poured her heart into her work, providing amazing customer service that went beyond transactions and into the realm of human connection. Whether tending to gardens or ensuring the cleanliness and beauty of spaces, Dawn found joy and purpose in her labors. Her passions were as vibrant as her personality. Dawn found solace in the earth, tending to her garden where fairies and gnomes were believed to dance among the flowers. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless, and she found great pleasure in coloring, journeying, and driving around, especially if it meant going to the water with them. Dawn relished the beautiful weather, cleaning, and drawing—each activity an expression of her love for life. Working for Ed, a chapter of her life she spoke of fondly, was more than a job; it was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Dawn's impact on the world was like that of a stone thrown into a pond, creating ripples that reached far and wide, touching the hearts and souls of many. An inspiring quote that Dawn lived by comes from the esteemed poet Maya Angelou, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." Indeed, Dawn was that rainbow in the lives of many, brightening the darkest of days with her unwavering optimism and genuine kindness. As we remember Dawn, let us not dwell on the loss but rather celebrate the incredible life she led. Her spirit, a blend of grace, fortitude, and love, will continue to guide and inspire us. In every garden that blooms, in the laughter of her grandchildren, and in every act of kindness we bestow, Dawn's legacy will live on. Dawn Marie Sawyer's life was a journey of joy, love, and adventure. She was a treasure to those who knew her, and her memory will be cherished forever. Let us honor her by living our lives with the same passion and enthusiasm she exemplified, always seeking to be the rainbow in the clouds of others.