Dawn Varadi

1963 - 2024

Dawn Varadi

August 6, 1963 - November 9, 2024

Dawn Anne Varadi (née Moore, formerly Tallon) our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away at her home in Rock Island, Ill., on November 9, 2024, at the age of 61. Dawn was born in Sanora, Calif. to Donald and Margaret Moore on August 6, 1963.

Dawn's family moved to Merced, Calif. in 1970; she always considered it to be her hometown. She graduated from Merced High School in 1981. She moved to the Quad Cities in 1989, first residing in Davenport, Iowa and then Rock Island.

From an early age Dawn gained a reputation for being fearless, brave, and outspoken. Sometimes that fearlessness left her stranded with an empty tank of gas on the side of the interstate (more than sometimes). But, more often, her bravery and loving nature shaped her view of the world and the impact she wanted to have on the people she encountered in life.

Dawn lost her father as a teenager, she encountered setbacks, and misfortune, yet she never failed to be loving, kind-hearted, and gregarious. She loved to make her grandchildren giggle, she found a way to make even the stubborn bend, and she wasn't opposed to laughing at herself, once in a while. She had a way of shining a light on the goodness of people.

Dawn's love and embrace was not only felt by her family but also by the many people who considered her an honorary mother, aunt, or sister. She devoted her life to ensuring everyone felt seen, heard, and respected. Her unique ability to disarm and charm everyone she met translated to her professional life as well.

Dawn most recently worked at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions, she found pride in the way she connected with families and children throughout the QC area. Her charm and definitive view of the goodness of people shaped her sense of fulfillment and joy in her work.

Dawn is survived by her partner, Brian Hale; sons, Michael and Daniel (April Harrington) Tallon; stepchildren, Megan (Bob) McGaughey, and Nicolas (Katherine) Varadi; sister, Robyn Jones; brother, Scott Moore; niece, Jennipher Jones; nephew, Aaron Jones; and grandchildren, Ava, Lindley, Finn, Arwen, and Theodore; and other family and friends who were, truly, her extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald; mother, Margaret; and husband, Antal "Tony" Varadi.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dawn's name to: The Center for Youth and Family Solutions, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, or a charity of your choice.

A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 3510 W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport, Iowa. Inurnment will be private. Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory

3030 7th Avenue

Rock Island, Illinois 61201

309-786-5421