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Dawn Orma Smith (nee Orris)

October 22, 2013

After a year long battle with cancer Dawn left family and friends behind and embarked on her next adventure on October 22, 2013, just five days after her 73rd birthday. With her at the time of her death at Penticton Hospital were husband Bob Monaghan, and her daughter and grandson, Kelly and Spencer Henniger.

Dawn was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and came to Grand Forks in 1944 with her mom and dad Stanley and Orma Orris and brother Milton. She remained in Grand Forks for most of her adult life until moving to Taghum, Trail, and Genelle in the West Kootenays, then finally Okanagan Falls where she and Bob resided for the past two years.

During much of her life in her hometown Dawn was a hairdresser and accomplished seamstress sewing for many people including costumes for drama productions. She also worked in the family owned Grand Forks Gazette for a period of time. Dawn was also a very involved volunteer, chairing the Grand Forks 90th and 100th Anniversary celebrations as well as supporting many other community activities. For many years she provided accommodation for members of the Grand Forks Border Bruins hockey team and the Japanese Summer School Exchange Students. Helping others and gardening were always two of her passions. Her greatest loves though were her grandchildren, they were her pride and joy.

Surviving Dawn is her husband Bob, daughter Kelly Henniger of Trail, grandchildren Spencer and Carley Henniger of Trail, and her brother Milton Orris of Summerland, BC. Dawn was predeceased by a grandson Andrew Henniger.

The funeral service will be held at the Summerland Funeral Home Chapel 13205 Rosedale Ave. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m. followed by a reception at the Legion. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in her name to the Moog and Friends Hospice House 1701 Government St. Penticton B.C. V2A 8J7. Burial of cremains will be in the Evergreen Cemetary in Grand Forks in the Spring.

Summing up their relationship her husband Bob wrote, “Our time together was very short but precious, sharing our lives filled with love and laughter”.



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