Dawn Lynn Mary was born on Tuesday, January 16, 1979, in York, Ontario to proud parents Gary and Patricia (Neal) Greer. She joined older brother Paul (1977), with the family calling Toronto home for the first few years. In the early 1980’s the family moved north to Palgrave, before later settling in Elmvale where Dawn began school. She went on to attend Elmvale District High School before moving to Proton Station with her maternal grandparents where she graduated from Grey Highlands Secondary School in Flesherton.
Upon graduation from high school, Dawn began to work at the family pet store, Pet Paradise, in Barrie. In 1999, Dawn’s world forever changed when she became the proud mother of Alexa. With the support of family and friends, Dawn continued to work and provide for her young. She and Lexie soon joined her cousin, Diana in Barrie, where Dawn was provided further support. It was during this period, that Dawn was introduced to a young man by the name of David John (DJ) Klass Veen. By 2004 Dawn was working in customer service at Horseshoe Valley and calling Elmvale home. The following year she and DJ began formally dating and together welcomed their daughter Ava later that year. In 2007 the couple bought a family home in New Lowell and relocated. Dawn was working for a call center in Barrie at the time. Their family was made complete with the arrival of their son Jacob in 2008.
On August 27, 2012, Dawn and DJ became husband and wife, saying their vows in front of friends and family at Weirmeir Lake. By this time Dawn was working as a customer service rep for Telus. However, tragedy struck that same year, when Dawn’s mother Pat, died after a battle with cancer. This was a difficult period of Dawn’s life, and she relied on the support of family and friends to help her through those difficult weeks and months that followed. Losing her mom at a young age led Dawn to explore some previously unchartered waters, whereby she began to have an interest in spirits, ghosts, and apparitions. She tried her hand at holistic medicine and included essential oils in her daily life.
In 2016, the Veen family relocated to Durham, and a more rural, laid-back lifestyle. Here, Dawn enjoyed working in the gardens and caring for her many house plants. She loved horticulture and truly had a green thumb! Dawn could also be known as a bit of a pack rat, never liking to part with much. She enjoyed collecting gemstones and crystals and shared this passion with those around her. Dawn also loved to travel. Through the years she experienced the United Kingdom, Scotland, Cuba, and Las Vegas, just to name a few. Closer to home, she enjoyed road trips to the northeast coast of the US and Prince Edward Island, which was her favourite. Honestly, it didn’t matter if she was relaxing in her family size tube cruising down the river or jumping in the car on a Saturday morning and heading out for a drive… with no destination in mind. Dawn loved to be out and exploring! Back at home, Dawn loved collecting antiques and was a true animal lover. The Veen family always enjoyed the companionship of animals, often having more than one at a time. Her beloved, Tucker, was her favourite though…. thankful the others can’t read this, right?
When not busy with the kids, or work, Dawn enjoyed relaxing around the house. She enjoyed the likes of Grey’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, and in her younger years who could forget 90210. Like most teenage girls of the 90’s, her favourite artists were New Kids on the Block. More recently she preferred a variety of pop and dance music, with the likes of Justin Timberlake and Shawn Mendes being her go to’s. DJ’s famous chicken tornados, along with mashed potatoes, corn and gravy were a favourite of Dawn’s, and who could forget her tea… with a little milk and sugar. Dawn often liked to switch it up when it came to her drinks, as her family often joked that she always had a new favourite drink every month.
Dawn was a kind-hearted, joyful woman, who always put the needs of her family before her own. She loved spending time with the kids, whether it was just relaxing around home or out on the next adventure. Date nights with DJ were a staple, whereby they often enjoyed a dinner out, before catching a movie or heading to the Drive-In theatre. Other family highlights included High Tea, with the girls on Ava’s birthday, and family gatherings where Dawn always liked to make sure all the fixings were prepared and enjoyed by her family.
Tragedy struck Dawn and her family in January of this year when she was diagnosed with cancer. Although devastating news, Dawn remained positive throughout the last few months, and continued to receive treatments right up to her final few weeks. She was a true warrior, and always tried to look out for the best interest of the kids and DJ. In recent weeks, Dawn became palliative, and spent her final days in hospice care, where she was surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends. Dawn passed away with DJ by her side on Monday, April 29, 2024, in her 46th year.
Beloved wife of DJ. Loving mother of Alexa-Lynne Greer (Alex Peyton) of Dundalk, Ava Greer-Veen, and Jacob Greer-Veen, both at home. Cherished daughter of Gary Greer of Durham and sister of Paul Dales of Bracebridge. Dawn will be dearly missed by her grandfather Thomas Greer of Tottenham, mother-in-law Dianne Veen of R.R. #1 Durham, sister-in-law Terri (Mike) Kraemer of Hepworth and brother-in-law Kevin (Kim) Veen of Kitchener as well as their families. She was predeceased by her mother Pat Dales and father-in-law Dave Veen.
A celebration of Dawn’s life will be held at the Durham Community Centre on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 1 – 4 p.m. with words of remembrance shared at 2 p.m. Private family interment in Holstein Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Grey Bruce Hospice Inc. (Chapman House) would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Sorry for my late note but unfortunately I just found out Dawn passed away. My deepest condolences to Dawn’s family. Although we didn’t meet in person me and Dawn were on the last work from home team I was on at Telus. She was a great co-worker. Praying for strength, peace and comfort for her family during this difficult time.
Fly high Dawn ! You were and always be a bright light we all were blessed with at work . I will always remember your authenticity and that smile . My heart goes out to her husband and children .
Dawn often proved the definition of friend…she was always there for you, good, bad, or ugly. She never judged, she was just there for you. I miss her smile, her infectious laugh and her joy of life. Friends to the end and beyond. Love you, Mama Rita
Dawn will be forever missed. She would light up a room with her smile. I loved hearing from Dawn at work she could turn your day around with her laugh and positive outlook ❤️
My sincere condolences to all of you at this very difficult time may all of your sweet memories comfort you during this time Dawn was a wonderful kind caring person who always put others first may she rest in eternal peace. May all of you keep her safely tuck in your hearts.Dawn Veen .you are truly missed 😢.
Dawn was a ray of sunshine, full of laughter, and a wee bit of mischief. Her wonderful smile, sense of humour and quick mind were just part of why she was genuinely loved by so many. A true Mama Bear, her family was her world, her pride and joy and she loved them dearly. It was a joy to work with her and an honour to be her friend. Hold your memories tight and may they comfort you.
We’re so sorry for your loss. We went to high school with DJ and now our eldest son goes to high school with DJ and Dawn’s son Jacob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Dawn is the sweetest person I’ve ever met. She wasn’t moody, or ever complained at work, always smiling and positive. I’m going to miss her. My condolences to the family. Wishing you peace and comfort in these difficult days!
DJ and kids, we are truly saddened by Dawn’s passing. We send you all a ton of love and hugs from Candice,Owen and Tristen
I have many memories of Dawn growing up as teens and we stayed friends for the past 30 years. It was wonderful to see her beautiful family grow. Are kids are teens themselves now. I didn’t see her often when she moved but I was happy we could stay in touch through social media. I will miss her. 🩷 My sincere condolences to DJ, Lexie, Ava, Jacob, Paul, Gary and the Greer/ Veen Family. 💐
My heart felt condolences to Dj, family and friends. Dawn will live on through fawn memories of everyone that was lucky enough have met her. Rest easy old friend. You did good.
Tim & Deb
Every time I type something out I delete it bc I can’t put into words how I feel! I just can’t imagine a world where Dawn isn’t here! Her bright light was taken way too soon! My thoughts are with Dj, Lexie, Ava & Jacob and all of her loved ones! Until we meet again Dawn I’ll hold you in my heart and cherish all of our memories! Love you so much my chosen sister 🩵
She loved well. She will be missed by many. I miss her already. May the God of all Comfort journey with her family and give them peace. Xo
Dawn will be remembered for her infectious laugh. My condolences to her husband, children and family.
Dawn was such a lovely person and I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept my condolences. She has been taken far too soon and my heart aches for all of her family at this difficult time
Dianne and family…so very sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you and your broken hearts at this time of deep sorrow.
I am so sorry to hear of Dawn’s passing. She will be missed for her quick smile, her infectious laugh and her kindness. My condolences to her husband, her children and the rest of her family.
All my love to family and condolences on the loss of Dawn. A beautiful wife mother and friend. She will be missed, always
So sorry to hear.
DJ, I know we haven’t talked since Sullivan School days, but I am so sorry for your loss. May Dawn rest in peace.
Words could never truly express the impact Dawn had. Such a kind, giving soul. Like everyone, she had bad days but always found a way to see the light on the other side of it. It is amazing to the all of the lives she touched in all the condolences and comments. We love you to the moon and back Dawn.xo
Jeff, Diana and the kids💜