Dawne Maureen Kelly (nee Cunningham)

March 2, 1946 – July 8, 2013

It’s with sad hearts we announce the passing of our beautiful wife and mother Dawne on July 8, 2013. Dawne leaves behind her devoted and beloved husband Ron of 35 years; children Patrick, Mike (Laura), Jennifer (Pat) and her precious grandchildren Kennedy, Emma, Fisher and Alexys and many extended family members and close friends.

Dawne, also known as Bonnie, was born in Victoria, BC as an only child. At a very young age she lost both her mother Margaret Maureen Cunningham (nee Rooke) and father Michael John Cunningham. Dawne was then raised by her late grandmother Viola Rose Cunningham. Dawne’s life growing up wasn’t easy but that never stopped her from loving and caring for everyone that came into her life.

Dawne met her husband Ron on Feb. 9, 1977 at the Esquimalt Inn Pub. They married the same year on Oct 25, 1977 and soon after on March 25, 1978 they welcomed their first son Patrick into their lives. A few years later on November 6, 1980 was the birth of their twins Mike and Jennifer. With Ron being away in the military, Dawne had the pleasure of being a stay at home mom for the following 12 years of their young lives. After Ron’s retirement with the military, the decision was to move back to Dawne and the children’s hometown Victoria, BC. Dawne re-entered the workforce and she continued to serve her community until her retirement in the summer of 2010.

In January 2011 Dawne suffered an stroke and became very ill. She fought a very tough battle and slowly improved over time. She was a strong lady, a fighter to the end. With all Dawne was faced with she remained a positive inspiration to her family and everyone that entered her life. Her smile and beautiful personality was infectious, never a dull moment with her witty sense of humour.

Dawne never took a day for granted, she enjoyed the simple things in life and always put everyone else before herself. She was a kid at heart and when her first granddaughter Emma was born she took every opportunity to live life through her eyes. Emma and her grandmother had a special bond and spent a lot of time together until her illness. Emma will forever miss her grandmother and will hold their special memories together close to her heart.

Dawne spent her last few years of her life at the Glengarry Hospital where she was treated with the utmost respect. For Ron who was by Dawne’s side almost everyday to support her and assist where he could, the nursing staff became their second family. The family is forever grateful for all the care she received during her two years at the facility.

Words from Ron “To me she was my best friend, best mother to our children and the greatest grandmother to our grandchildren. Everyone who met her loved her to pieces”.

Dawne’s Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation on Dawne’s behalf to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.bc.ca). Condolences may be offered below.

www.mccallbros.com