Obituaries

October 14, 1956 – April 6, 2023The family of Dawn Collette Wade announces her death on April 6, 2023. She passed peacefully in the care of Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.Dawn Wade was born on October 14, 1956, to Wilbert Henry Wade and Phyllis Eleanor Wade (nee Colosimo).As the daughter of military parents, she grew up all across Canada and the world, but always found home in the prairies. Her childhood was spent at the skating rink from dawn to dusk where she found her passion for figure skating.Dawn graduated high school from St. Mary's Academy in Winnipeg, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Manitoba. She spent time in Toronto before moving back to Alberta and completing a Bachelor of Social Work at Red Deer College. This led her to a lifelong career in social work, culminating in a private counseling practice prior to retirement. Dawn welcomed her first daughter Haley Christine on December 25, 1989, and her second, Blair Collette on April 1, 1993. She was a devoted mother, and raised them to be strong, independent, and determined women through her example.The three slowly migrated over the years from southern Alberta to northern Alberta, but Dawn made every house a home. The years were spent with road trips (always with a good soundtrack), dance parties, and movie nights.In 2002, Dawn met her match in Alvie Shearer. The families blended, with two daughters becoming four with Anndra and Trisha. The pair were married on November 10, 2012, surrounded by family and friends.Dawn and Alvie loved to play as hard as they worked. From golf to curling, board games to yard games, there was always fun to be had. They found their passion for travel together, and made many trips across the world, including two cruises through Europe – always with a good book and deck of playing cards. Most recently, the pair cruised through Europe first class in October 2022, with a transatlantic trip back. It was a well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Dawn was always the life of the party, and loved any reason to celebrate. She spent her days devoted to creative projects, collecting vinyl, following figure skating, and studying history. She will be remembered for her riotous laughter, quick wit, and devoted loyalty to those she loves. Dawn was welcomed in her passing by her parents, Wilbert and Phyllis, and husband, Alvie. Her ashes will be spread in Doe River, BC and Nordegg, AB, so they can rest together.Dawn's legacy lives on in daughters Haley (Tyler) Hunt, Blair Wade (Landon Elzinga), Anndra (Mike) Graff, Trisha (Matt) Friesen, grandchildren Reece and Skylar Graff, Brynn and Zoey Friesen, and Baby Hunt (expected October 2023), as well as many friends and family.Dawn's death on Easter weekend reminds us that with death and grief, comes hope and peace.Friends and family are invited to sparkle in their favorite attire and remember Dawn's shine at a Celebration of Life on Friday, May 5, at 1:00 pm at Bear Creek Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, donations to Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation are welcomed.Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bearcreekfuneral.com