About
Dawn Smith Obituary
Dawn M. Smith (nee Gallagher), age 60, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family after a brave battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Delaware County, Dawn had called Garnet Valley home for the past 20 years. Dawn graduated from Ridley High School in 1983 and later attended Immaculata College. For two decades, Dawn dedicated herself to helping others as an outpatient lab supervisor at Nemours Children's Hospital in Wilmington, where she was known for her warmth and unwavering compassion.
Dawn's radiant smile had the power to brighten any room, and her love for family was the foundation of her life. She cherished the time spent with her daughter and grandchildren, who brought unmatched joy to her heart, especially during baking sessions and sleepovers filled with laughter. Dawn was also an avid birdwatcher and found happiness in the summers she spent at the beach in North Wildwood with her family and friends.
Christmas held a special place in her heart, celebrated with her annual "Girls Weekend," where she transformed her beach home into a festive wonderland, delighting all with her creativity and festive spirit. Dawn was a wonderful hostess, always striving to ensure that everyone felt welcome and happy in her presence.
Dawn was the cherished daughter of the late Marlene M. Turner and Charles Gallagher. She is predeceased by her brother Gary Gallagher and sister Charleen McKenzie.
She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Larry L. Smith; her devoted daughter Erika Dougherty (Isaiah); her stepdaughters Sheri and Staci Smith; her brother Jeff Gallagher (Lisa); and her treasured granddaughters, Nova Dawn and Vienna Rose Dougherty.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:15 AM at the Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, located at 5980 Chichester Ave, Aston. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 AM at the same location, honoring the beautiful life and legacy of Dawn. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Nemours Children's Hospital, in honor of Dawn's enduring spirit of compassion and her dedication to helping others. Dawn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Dawn
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Dawn Smith
Make a Donation
in Dawn Smith's name
How to support Dawn's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dawn Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
