She raised three children, primarily as a single mother, while waitressing at classic restaurants in Minneapolis and later in Las Vegas and growing as an artist, crafting beautiful stained-glass windows.
She moved to California in 1984 and became a full-time artist, specializing in kaleidoscope design.
Dawn was a strong independent woman, story teller extraordinaire, and a great friend to so many.
She is survived by her three children, Scott Cooper of Madera, Machelle Burkstrand (Steve Winick) of San Francisco, and Suzette (Jim) Koenig of Las Vegas; five grandchildren, James (Kari), Zachary (Melissa), Eric, Amy, and Sophie; and two great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Abigail.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to It’s Our Story Project, www.itsourstory.com/donate/.