Dawn Elizabeth Porter

In memoriam of Dawn Elizabeth Porter, who lived a full life in her 46 years.

She is survived by her husband, Doug Porter; sons, Kenneth Masse (Jessica) and Christopher Masse; and daughters, Kelly Carrel (Ben) and Nicole Strainer (Mike). Her grandchildren include, Dominic, Ava, Haylee, Ali and Logan.

Dawn was born on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1961, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Richard and Carol Williams. She passed away on May 12, 2007, after putting up a determined battle against a second bout of cancer.

Dawn was the third of four children. As a child, she was often referred to as "Lil' Bit" (from Elizabeth), but she was far from that. She was a self-contented little girl, spending time reading and playing with dolls. She loved animals from childhood, rescuing baby birds fallen from nests and any other animals she found. She carried this into her adult life with a deep love of many animals including her two dogs, Bea and Bronson, plus her mules and horse she shared with her husband, Doug. Dawn has an extensive collection of dolls and stuffed animals representing many cherished memories over the years.

Dawn and Doug loved the outdoors and spent time together on many Montana back country pack trips.

Most of Dawn's working years were spent at the Fly Away Café, owned by her mother, Carol. It was a family enterprise where Dawn, her sister Yvonne, brother Todd, plus all their children worked over the years.

Many fond memories of all the friends and relationships built during the Fly Away Café days will be treasured by us all. At the Fly Away is where Dawn met her husband, Doug. They built a home together with beautiful views of the outdoors, and they were wed there on June 29, 2002.

Dawn's last work was at EBR (Employee Benefit Resources). She was deeply touched and appreciative of her co-workers who donated vacation days to her during her time off for treatments.

Dawn was preceded in death by her stepfather, Curt Bierwagen, and her father, Richard Williams.

She is survived by her mother, Carol Williams; sister Kathy Bienz (Stephan) of St. Peters, Mo.; sister Yvonne Williams of Helena and her children, Sean Stenlund (with son Skyler), Carolee Irvin (with daughter Seanna); brother, Todd Williams (Sue) of Ennis (with sons Bridger and Dillon).

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from the Porter family.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at Hagler-Anderson Chapel. Flowers may be sent there, or donations may be made in Dawn's memory to Sletten Cancer Institute, 1117 29th St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405.

Dawn's love of life and her positive nature throughout any and all challenges defined her. She will be dearly missed by all of us - we love you, Dawn.

Express condolences at http://www.legacy.com/HelenaIR/.