Dawn Denise Vaught

It is with much sorrow and lots of love that we announce the passing of Dawn Denise Vaught on January 3rd 2026 due to complications related to her Lymphoma diagnosis. Dawn's surviving husband, 3 children and 5 grandkids will continue to love her and miss her very much.
Born on November 3rd, 1955, in Royal Oak, MI, Dawn was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, co-worker, Stephen Minister, volunteer, fan, friend, mother and wife. She touched a lot of lives with her compassion, engaged listening, and generous nature. As her husband would say, "There are no strangers to Dawn." This ability to connect, allowed her to build communities of friends wherever she went.
Dawn grew up in Clawson, MI, where in high school, she participated in in every developing woman's athletic team she could, from basketball to synchronized swimming. From there, she joined the workforce to save enough money to be the first person in her family to attend college. During this time, she also found a way to tour Europe with just a good friend and a backpack. Five years later, she joined the ranks as a Spartan at Michigan State University. And OH! how she LOVED being a Spartan! That loyalty and pride never wavered. From years of owning season tickets, to making sure every grandkid had the appropriate attire for game day, Dawn was always a loud and proud Spartan.
In the years following, Dawn started a career, a volunteering journey and a family. Her 30 year career with General Motors was a true example of a corporate ladder climb. She started as a part time summer intern, joined the Health and Safety training program, earned a position working late nights in Detroit, transferred to the assembly plant in Pontiac, and then transferred to the Milford Proving Grounds where she found a fulfilling career as the Director of Health and Safety for the following 20 years. The Milford Proving Grounds offered a unique opportunity to oversee the testing of parts and vehicles that she loved to brag about. It also provided better proximity and balance for her family life.
Dawn's family has always been the center of her heart and soul. For 30 years she shared a life with Kurt Gallinger, the father of her children, Lauren & Kyle. They cultivated a life of fun and adventure with a hobby farm, annual family vacations, spending countless hours at hockey areas all over North America and cheering for soccer in every type of weather. Her support and tenacity pushed her children to have collegiate careers in their respective sports.
Volunteering as a Stephen Minister has always held a special place in her heart. She always wanted to help in any way she could and found a great avenue through Cornerstone EPC in Brighton. Dawn's natural ability to sympathize, empathize and connect made the Stephen Ministry program the perfect fit. She trained and connected for years, while also helping to organize and administrate. No matter how far she moved from Brighton, she always kept up her work and position with the Stephen Ministery, even if it meant flying back once a month to participate in face-to-face training sessions. Through this work, other volunteer opportunities opened, including time with LACASA and other churches throughout Michigan and Florida.
More joy and happiness came into Dawn's life later in life when she met her current husband Don Vaught. The two of them seemed to find the missing piece in each other. They married in 2022 and lost no time in carving out their little slice of heaven at their hunt camp. It was their favorite place for quiet after the numerous adventures chasing sunshine and grandchildren.
Dawn was preceded in death by her Father, Hubert "Huey" Wright, Brother Lawrence "Larry" Wright, and Mother, Beverly Beckman who are all now with her on her journey in heaven.
Dawn is survived by her loving husband Don, her children Lauren (Brian) Lee, Kyle (Emily) Gallinger, her five grandchildren (Kevin, Charlie, Annabel, Elizabeth and Penelope), and her step-son, Jason (Traci) Simmerman.
Her memorial service will be held at Cornerstone EPC of Brighton on Thursday, January 22nd starting with a visitation at 10am, a service at 11am, and a luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. Flowers can be sent to Cornerstone to help beautify her memorial, while any donations can be made to Cornerstone EPC, 9455 Hilton Road, Brighton, MI 48114 with Stephen Ministry written in the memo line.
While we are all grieving, the family is looking forward to the shared stories and memories. Please utilize the tribute wall on this page to leave any memory or memorable story about Dawn.
Please see below for service details. For further information, please contact Lynch & Sons, Brighton at 810-229-2905.