Dawna Eileen ASSELSTINE POPE

You miss her already. You missed her before. You missed her again. You'll miss her for a long time. The day your mother died, 911, the day you learned Dawna was dead. Like the Eagles said, "There's a hole in the World tonight.

You feel sad until you see the picture of her with her friends from your era. Then you see the picture of her with her family. The first reminds you of the gift of memories she gave you. The second reminds you of the gift she has given us all by making her children as wonderful as she was.

God bless her children and God bless Aaron. He is living proof she got the man she deserved. They are all living proof of her love - a strong, tough, funny, precious, fragile gift to last.

When someone like her is taken from her loved ones so early, we try to make sense of it all. But there's no sense in trying. Better to try to come even close to being the jewel of a human being she was. Live the life she lived - big, proud, beautiful and good.

Goodbye lovely one.

My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I am sharing in your sorrow. I am so very sorry. I went to Ridgemont High School with Dawna (Dawn), I only heard this morning that she had passed away. I would have loved to have attended her celebration of life. Your Mom will always be with you forever. Tanya Davis

Please feel free to join us on Saturday May 30 from 1-4PM at St. Philips Hall, 127 Burke Street, Richmond, for Dawn's Celebration of Spirit.

Dear Aaron, Alyssa, Krystian,and Aurielle
I am so so sorry for your loss. I am shocked and so saddened to hear the passing of Dawn. She was beautiful inside and out. Even though we have not connected for a while, I still considered her to be one of by very best friends. I love her, and so sad I will never see her again. Sorry to you all, she was a wonderful person!

Kerry Anderson
Richmond, Ont.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

I'm so sad to learn that Dawn has passed away. Dawn was bold and bright and a great friend for many years. Her spirit will shine through her beautiful children and in the lives of all the people she touched. My deepest condolences to Aurielle, Krystian, Alyssa and Aaron.

Your strong spirit will forever remain a part of me.

To all of Dawna's family, I also went to school with Dawna and was one of the lucky ones who got to hang with her and all the other great girls. She was always smiling. Got to go to my High School reunion with her and that great group of gals again a few years back. What a night we had, a wonderful evening. Will miss and think of you often xo

Janice Clarke (Tubman)

I am so saddened to hear of Dawna's passing. She was a blessing to so many students, families, and teachers. I will always remember her beautiful soul and the impact she had on so many. My deepest sympathies to her family.

Dear Family,
I wanted to share something that happened to me just before I knew of Dawna's passing.... it was around Christmas time and I had a dream about Dawna I knew her from our days at Alta Vista public school. She was a great girl and we had a great friendship..I always remember her as "tough" and "cool" in grades 7-8 she was always dressed in fashion of the day and although I was intimidated by her she was very kind to me...I remember she lived near the school and I actually went to her place for lunch. She had the "cool parties" and I have very fond memories of her. But what was most amazing is I had this dream of her in the wee hours of the night and told my wife about it. Then about a week afterwards when we were celebrating the life of my late father in law.. I read her obituary...She had a strong spirit and I am sure that her family continues to share that spirit. May the memory of Dawna be one of comfort and blessings...David Sugarman

I will always remember her kind soul and her love of children...I so enjoyed our talks and sharing our observations of beautiful children. She saw things that the rest of us missed! I will watch for signs of you Dawn!

To All Dawn's Family: I was so saddened to read of Dawn's passing. I looked after her Mom Betty at Garden Terrace, and got to know Dawn and Joanie, and met her beautiful daughters. Betty was so proud of her and her grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Dawn was an exceptional person, a shining light to anyone she came in contact with. It was a privilege to have known her, called her a friend, a sister. She will be greatly missed. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Alyssa & Krystian and family.

I am so very sorry to just hear of my cousin passing. Too young. My heart goes out to your family.

I was saddened to read of Dawn's passing. What a privilege it was to have her work in our schools and provide support to students and staff. She was a gem!!
My sincere sympathy to Dawn's family. In time, may wonderful memories bring you comfort.

Nora McEwen

My thoughts and prayers are with you Alyssa and all your family!!! I remember Dawns kind presence from when we were kids and was fortunate enough to catch up with her in the past few years while teaching. She truly was an amazing woman. My heart goes out to you all! Xo

Dawn, we miss you. Your shining light will never be forgotten. Aaron, we will be there for you and your family always. Much love, Vidi and Steve.

Dear Aaron, Aurielle and Family,

We were shocked and saddened to hear your heartbreaking loss. We feel so badly for you, and wish we could ease your
pain. We wish you peace and healing.

Sincerely,
Susan, Rick, Haddon, Jack and Ben Rabb

Our thoughts and hearts are with all who mourn this wonderful woman, who had a big heart, full of gratitude for the little things in life. Her bright light will be missed by so many.

Patti, Corey, Abby and Mackenzie Gorr

My condolences to your family. Never forgotten always loved....gone to soon

Dear Aurielle and family,

We are so sad to hear of the death of your mom. We are thinking of you and trust that your rich memories and inner strength will pull you thru this incredibly tough time.
Take good care,
Betty and Steve Biesenthal
(Aunt and Uncle of Meghan Lair)

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dawn was a welcome presence in our school for years. She was my go-to for challenging cases and I will miss her big hearth, hard truths and advice. My thoughts are with your family.

My deepest condolences to family and close friends on Dawna's passing. My heart goes out to you all.

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of an amazing woman. I got to know Dawn when she came to observe a student in my class. Every time after that whenever she was in the school we would stop and chat and catch up. May your many memories of her help you through this difficult time.

Please accept my sincere condolences. Dawn was a wonderful person with a truly beautiful spirit. She will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know her.

Dawna, there is no goodbye for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.

Your big sister Lisa.

Aaron, Alyssa (Jonathan), Krystian, Aurielle

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Barb, Bruce and Emilie Nairn

My heart goes out to her beloved children.

As Dawn's neighbour for more than 20 years, I cannot count the number of times that the sound of her laughter and her excellent choice of summertime patio music brought a smile to my face. For that, and so much more, she will be sorely missed.

So very sad to lose yet another person to Cancer. I remember Dawna from our days at Hillcrest. She was a beautiful person and the warmth of her smile could melt the snow on a cold winter day. My condolences to your family.

You will be missed by many friends and students. You always had a big smile and were so upbeat and positive.

My sincere sympathies to Dawna's family. Dawna and I were childhood friends in Overbrook.

To Dawna's family; my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother/partner. I had not seen Dawna for many years (we went to high school together but fondly remember many nights of fun together with the gang of gals), but had heard she'd had a lovely family. My thoughts go out to all of you during this most difficult time.

Dawna we went to High School together your spirit, strength and humour will be missed may your Light continue to shine brightly. Blessings and my condolences to your Family.

My dearest friend....oh how I will miss your smile and your laughter. That is what connected me to you when we were in high school; your infectious laugh and your beautiful smile (not to mention how gorgeous you are)! You will always be in my heart and I know that you will watch over all of us. I smile at the many memories (oh the memories) and cry at the loss of your spirit that has gone way too soon. I love you my dear friend. xoxo

Dearest Dawn,
I will forever miss you.You have impacted the lives of many in only positive ways.

A fiesty friendly good person and neighbour who will be missed greatly by all who knew Dawn. Condolences and good thought to Arron and the "kids"

I went to high school with Dawna, in Ottawa. Nice, nice person, and funny too. Beautiful girl.

Dawna, I can't seem to find the right words to write down. You are always in my thoughts. You were such a kind, welcoming, loving person from the first day I met you. You will be missed by everyone you have touched. Lots of love angel, I know you are watching over us.