Dawne MacDonald

Dawne MacDonald, age 49, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Born in Wilmington, DE on February 25, 1976, she was the daughter of Nevin Blair and Karen Gay (Gilpin) Johnson. A graduate of Newark High School, Dawne earned her associate's degree from Cecil College and her bachelor's degree from Goldey-Beacom College. Dawne enjoyed an early career as a vet tech at Kirkwood Animal Hospital where she spent many years. She later transitioned to a corporate career, holding various administrative roles, most recently in the Physician's Assistant program at Arcadia University.

While attending Newark High School, Dawne was a member of the marching band and a standout as a volleyball player, going on to play at Cecil College. A gifted homemaker with a love for the creative arts, she enjoyed cross-stitching, baking, and crafting, and was known for the thoughtful keepsakes and gifts she made for holidays and special occasions. Always active in church, she most recently called CityLight Vineyard Church her home. Together with her husband, Dave, she helped for a number of years to lead a group that served monthly at The Paris Foundation, providing meals as well as clothing and hygiene items to the homeless and underserved community in the Elkton, MD area. Dawne will always be remembered as a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

Since her adrenal cancer diagnosis in June, Dawne had a burning desire to share her testimony with others. Family members and friends are currently working on establishing a program that shares her story and will help support others on a similar journey. Her greatest hope was that others would come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, just as she did.

In addition to her parents, Dawne is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, David Michael MacDonald; children, Kenzie Renay MacDonald and Kirby Lachlan MacDonald; brothers, Derek Johnson (Karen) and Dayle Johnson (Beth); several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.