Thursday, September 22, 2016
Dawn Burton blessed every life she touched. She surely blessed me, Milton, and our family and friends. I think of three things when I think of Dawn – friendship, strength, and family.
From the first day I met her, Dawn became my neighbor – and my friend. Everyone she has touched will say the same thing! She has an unmatched ability to touch people and to care about their lives. I remember the Christmas Eve when Dawn invited us in to her home to celebrate the holiday with her mother, Mary, and Paula and her Mom. I remember the Christmas tree in the sunroom and how everyone was dressed in their holiday best. And on Sunday, when for whatever reason, two newspapers were delivered to Dawn and Paula, Dawn would walk the extra paper over to our doorstep and say hello. Dawn valued friendship and her friends value Dawn.
On strength and optimism, Dawn was the gold standard. She valiantly fought through her illness and at the same time, showered her friends and loved ones with peace and love. She told me that she was inspired by her father, Ray, and saw everything through the lens of a RAYOFSUN. I will miss that license plate and the laughter and optimism she shared when she was walking Maxi, watering her flowers, and meandering about our neighborhood.
Lastly, she adored her family. She shared so many stories of Sue and Bob and their beautiful family. The children tickled her and she was very proud to be Great AD. She loved her nieces and nephews dearly. And to Paula, when a friend so wonderful and compassionate as you becomes family to someone like Dawn, there is no grander blessing.
We have all been blessed by Dawn and she will forever fill my heart with sunshine and grace.
