Dawn Marie Quinn

Dawn M. Quinn April 2, 1933 – May 18, 2025 A Life Well Lived Dawn M. Quinn passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, surrounded by love and the enduring warmth she cultivated throughout her extraordinary life. She was 92. Born in San Francisco on April 2, 1933, Dawn spent her early years in Sacramento, with meaningful chapters of her youth spent in Santa Barbara and Hawaii. It was on the beaches of Waikiki that she learned to swim-taught by none other than the legendary Duke Kahanamoku-a memory that would symbolize her deep connection to adventure, perseverance, and grace. Dawn's upbringing helped shape her worldly outlook. She was an exceptionally intelligent and well-read woman who retained a vast amount of knowledge and insight, shared always with warmth and never pretension. Whether discussing history, current events, or art, Dawn had an incredible ability to connect meaningfully through her deep understanding. She introduced culture to her family and many friends as a lifelong patron of the arts. For over 50 years, she held season tickets to the Best of Broadway series in San Francisco, often bringing loved ones to witness the power and grandeur of live theater. She also treasured visits to the de Young Museum-sharing moments of awe in exhibits on ancient Egypt and King Tutankhamun or reflecting deeply on the tragedies of war through exhibits on the Dresden bombings. These experiences were not just outings, they were thought-provoking and educational, expressions of Dawn's belief in lifelong learning. Dawn was the devoted mother of six in a beautifully blended "his, mine, and ours" family. She is survived by her children Steven Wardwell (Suzanne) of Auburn, CA; Terry Wardwell of Watsonville, CA; Charles Quinn III (Susie) of Temecula, CA; Dr. Mark Quinn (Debbie) of Bozeman, MT; Dr. Eryn Quinn (Julie) of East Grand Rapids, MI; and Patrick Quinn (Susan) of San Jose, CA. She also leaves behind eleven beloved grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Dawn's heart and home were always open-to family, friends, and even the occasional passing stranger or Jehovah's Witness. Her selfless nature defined her; she was a nurturer, a rock, and a safe harbor for many. She excelled academically and rose to the rank of Lieutenant in the ROTC. She helped build and run Mission Concrete Products and had early meaningful involvement in the Santa Clara Valley Diabetes Society. Dawn also served as President of the Youth Science Institute Guild and was a longtime member of The Hillcrestors, supporting charitable causes in East San Jose. Her volunteerism extended into her later years through Pegasus Riding Academy in Palm Desert, where she helped children with disabilities find freedom and strength through therapeutic horseback riding. Dawn and her husband Charlie shared a profound and lasting partnership that spanned over five decades. Together, they traveled to Europe, Washington D.C., and enjoyed countless motorhome adventures. Their shared love for life, learning, and each other was a constant source of joy. Dawn could speak on nearly any subject-and often, that subject was Charlie. Their lives were deeply intertwined through shared passions, including a deep love for animals-over the years, they cared for four dogs and six cats-and their stunning home garden. With rose bushes, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, avocados, citrus, plums, and apples, they worked side by side to cultivate a space of beauty and life. Their home on Greenside Drive was a hub of hospitality. For decades, Dawn hosted joyful family gatherings, BBQs, birthdays, weddings, graduations, charity events, and even funerals. She was a gracious hostess and a gifted cook, known for her comforting dishes like Tamale Pie, homemade macaroni and cheese, hand-churned ice cream, apricot jam, and her legendary appetizer-the "Hasty Hot." With the birth of her 10th grandchild, Dawn joyfully became "Mimi Quinn"-a name that came to symbolize her boundless love and warmth. That title soon extended beyond her grandchildren to the many who were fortunate enough to experience her compassion and care. Dawn faced many health challenges, including a benign brain tumor, full hip and knee replacements, breast cancer and ultimately, dementia. Yet she faced each with a steady grace and quiet determination. She was an example to all-resilient, loving, and wise. Dawn Quinn was a true friend, a gracious hostess, a lifelong learner, and the cornerstone of a large and loving family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the causes she supported, and the family she nurtured. She was, and always will be, our guiding light.