Alice Dawn Valardo

Dawn lived a life centered on family, community service, and compassion for others. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved and devoted much of her life to making a difference in her community. Her generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others touched countless lives and leaves a lasting legacy.

Born to Reginald and Vivian Maxwell, Dawn was predeceased by her beloved parents; husband Donald Valardo; siblings Jimmy, Kenneth, Jackie, and Heather Costigan; her cherished granddaughter, Melissa Wylie.

She is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children, Debra (James) Barlow, Patti (James) Wylie, Tony (Patti) Valardo, and Nancy (Darrell) Penny; and her treasured grandchildren, Jacqueline and Thomas Barlow, Nicholas and Megan Wylie, and Kristian and Matthew Valardo; great grandchildren Cydney Carruthers and Daxton Yee, and; brother, Grant Maxwell. She will also be fondly remembered by her extended family, dear friends, and the many lives she touched through her volunteer and community work.

Dawn's dedication to serving others was evident through her many accomplishments. She originated the Palliative Care Family Room at Dartmouth General Hospital, initiated and implemented the Dartmouth Block Parents Program, and established the Nottingham Park School Breakfast Program through Kiwanis. She was instrumental in organizing the Wooden Heart Campaign, facilitated numerous Chowder Parties at the Owl's Club in support of the Dartmouth VON, and successfully secured funding for numerous charitable initiatives throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Her volunteer service and leadership were extensive. Dawn served as a Palliative Care Worker and member of the Dartmouth General Hospital Auxiliary and as a facilitator for bereavement support groups at Dartmouth General Hospital. She was an Executive Member and Co-Chairperson of Kiwanis, Fundraiser Captain for The Salvation Army, and a dedicated fundraiser for both the Canadian Diabetes Society and the Canadian Cancer Society. She served as Board Member and Chairperson of the Dartmouth VON, and as a board member for the YMCA Dartmouth, Dartmouth Community Concert, and the Provincial Heart & Stroke Foundation. She also contributed her time as a member of the fundraising committee for the Preston Day Care Center.

In recognition of her dedication and leadership, Dawn was appointed to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia for two terms.

An extraordinary woman, Dawn devoted her life to improving the lives of others through countless projects, volunteer efforts, fundraising campaigns, and community appointments. Her kindness, determination, and commitment to service inspired all who knew her.

Beyond her community work, Dawn found great joy in spending time at her cherished cottage in Malagash, Nova Scotia, where she created treasured memories with family and friends. Those moments of laughter, gathering, and togetherness were among her greatest pleasures. She loved to travel and explored many parts of the world with dear friends and fellow members of Kiwanis, creating lasting memories and friendships along the way.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Dartmouth General Hospital for their compassionate and exceptional care.

A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3 Crichton Avenue, Dartmouth, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m with Father Jim Richards officiating. A reception will follow at Brightwood Golf & Country Club, 227 School Street, Dartmouth.