Dawn A. Marr

In the early hours of Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Dawn passed peacefully from this earth and ran into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Actually, Dawn said she was going to do cartwheels when she got to Heaven and we are absolutely sure that is what she did!

Dawn put up a valiant fight and beat breast cancer 18 years ago. On October 23, 2019 it was confirmed that the cancer had recurred and was in the bones of her spine and neck. A few days later it was discovered that it was far advanced and untreatable.

Dawn was born to Ivan and Joyce Bailey on December 23, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She grew up in Indiana and her adult journey took her to make residences in Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington. 

Dawn moved to Bellingham, WA in the mid 1970’s. In the early Spring of 1980 she was introduced to Mink Rancher, Dale Marr, by mutual friends. Dawn and Dale hit it off immediately and quickly became inseparable.

On November 14, 1980 Dawn and Dale entered into a marriage contract and she moved to the Mink Ranch in Glacier, WA.  On March 30, 1982 Dawn and Dale were married again in Reno, Nevada in a ceremony that brought them together in the name and eyes of God.

From the beginning Dawn eagerly became involved in the mink ranching business. By Dale’s side, she was very active with the Seattle Fur Exchange and the global fur community. Dawn made lifelong friends with many mink rancher families in Washington, Oregon, Utah and Canada.

Dawn was involved in the Miss Washington Pageant, and for 30 consecutive years was instrumental in presenting a mink shawl to each Miss Washington during the crowning ceremony. 

Dawn was always busy and dabbled in several business ventures over the years. She was passionate about the beauty care and natural health industries. She owned a beauty salon in Bellingham for a few years and even tried her hand at publishing a local women’s newsletter for a short time.

Dawn loved music, dancing, movies, football (Go Hawks!), and laughter. Laughter was with her at all times and she was always happy to share it with everyone. We are going to miss the laughter so much.

Dawn had a dream to travel and see the world. She and Dale took amazing trips to Mexico, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, and Spain.

Upon retirement, Dawn and Dale adapted the snowbird lifestyle and purchased a winter home in Bullhead City, Arizona. Oh how she loved to go South from October through April! They made fast friends within their Arizona community and enjoyed regular happy hours with them along with many fun celebrations.

Dawn threw great parties and loved bringing everyone together to celebrate everything. There were times that she would just grab an idea out of the air for a reason to throw a party!

Dawn loved her family. Dawn loved her friends. Dawn loved people. Once you were in the fold you were considered family and there forever. Dawn lived her life loving us all fiercely and she believed in true forgiveness.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents and a son, James John Moore.

Dawn is survived by the love of her life, husband Dale; Sisters Roxanne Hinesly, Charmaine Wallingford, and Rhonda Sue Comfort; Children Timothy Moore (Sarah) and Endora Moore; Stepchildren Mike Marr (Debbie), Tammie Marr (Brian), Maria Marr (Brian), and informally adopted son of 44 years, David Paulette; Daughters-In-Law Kimberley Sexton and Misti Moore; Grandchildren Danielle, Jenessa, Riley, Courtney, Brendan, Karisa, Christopher, Tyler, Zachary, Chelsea, Cassie, Missy and Quinn; 15 Great Grandchildren, and so many treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, Dawn’s family requests donations to be made to Whatcom Hospice House, Peace Health Palliative Care Team, Peace Health St. Joseph Cancer Center, or a children’s charity of your choice.