Obituary of Dawn Lynn Neely

In Loving Memory of Dawn Neely

After a long illness, our beloved Dawn passed away with family by her side. It was a moment of deep sadness, but also one of gratitude — gratitude for the years we had with her, for the love she poured into all of us, and for the laughter she brought to our lives.

For 42 years, she shared her life with her husband and soulmate, Dave Neely. Together they built a beautiful, blended family: Craig Neely (Nicole; Dawson, Watson, Elena), Robbie Neely (Era), Brent Neely (Liz; Christopher), and Virginia Holmes (John; Tri and Cai). She loved each of them fiercely, and nothing brought her more joy than being a mom, and a grandmother.

Dawn had a way of making every moment with her grandchildren feel special. They’ll remember the afternoons spent making pickles in the kitchen, baking together, scrapbooking, playing games, camping, picking blackberries to make jam and their treasured “grandma-grandkid lunches.” She was always ready with a laugh, a listening ear, or a plate of something delicious she’d made just for them.

Her love for nurturing extended far beyond her own family. For many years, she owned and operated a group home for psychiatric patients. To the people who lived there, she was more than a caregiver — she was a mom, a mentor, and a safe place. She gave them dignity, respect, and love, and her impact on that community will never be forgotten.

Dawn’s gardens were legendary — always the best on the street — and she treated each plant with the same care she gave to people. She was strong, honest, loyal, and endlessly giving. If you were in her circle, you knew she would stand by you no matter what, and she would celebrate your joys like they were her own.

We will miss her laugh. We will miss her fierce hugs. We will miss the way she made everyone feel welcome and wanted. But most of all, we will carry with us the lessons she taught us about love, loyalty, and the importance of gathering together.

Dawn, thank you for everything you gave us. Your love will continue to bloom in all of us, season after season.

A Celebration of Dawn's Life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Cooke's Portsmouth United Church Hall, 200 Norman Rogers Drive, Kingston. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dawn’s memory to the Salvation Army or Almost Home.