Dawne Dye

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Dawne Dye (nee Smith, also known as Lacterman). She was born in Vancouver on March 18, 1942, to parents Earl and Jean, and passed away on April 26, 2022 at Surrey Memorial Hospital with her daughter Aviva at her side. She is survived by her second husband of 32 years, Harry, step-son Bradley, daughter Aviva Lacterman, grand-daughter Fanya Gross, son-in-law Morry, sister Carole Jarvis, brother-in-law Bill, nephews Jeremy and Aaron and their families.

Dawne was an elementary school and music teacher for over 30 years having taught at Oppenheimer, Begbie and Sexsmith where she influenced and inspired many students.

An extremely talented singer, Dawne performed over 25 leading roles in musicals and operettas with local companies such as Theatre Under The Stars, North Shore Light Opera, and GVOS, and was also a member of the Vancouver Opera chorus for over 30 years. Her most memorable roles were "Julie" (Carousel), "Yum Yum" (The Mikado), "Guinevere" (Camelot), "Hanna"(Merry Widow)...

After retiring from the Vancouver Opera she took on the role of director for the Metropolitan Opera Auditions for Western Canada and more recently sang with EnChor choir.

Dawne also excelled at many hobbies, an excellent seamstress, sewing matching outfits for herself and young daughter as well as costumes for her performances and her students. She had a natural green thumb, over the years planted and lovingly nurtured hundreds of plants in her gardens. Bearded irises were among her favourites whom she would even talk to.

Always very active, she was an avid hiker, skier and runner, having completed three Vancouver marathons. Dawne also enjoyed ski seasons at Whistler with her husband, Harry. She had a passion for travel that began in the early 60s with her then first husband-to-be, Bob Lacterman, with whom she hitch-hiked around Europe, then later on a Vespa scooter purchased from the factory in Italy. In her later years she and Harry did many home exchanges in Europe, particularly Southern France, took many world and Mediterranean cruises, and annual trips to Puerto Vallarta, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas.

Friends will remember the fabulous house parties she and Harry hosted (Academy Awards, Canada Day, Christmas and others..). Glamorous, Dawne had a love of elegant clothes and jewelry which she skillfully coordinated and wore. She loved cats and is probably reunited with her late Chiquita (Cheekie) whom she lost in 2020.

Dawne was so thrilled to have a grand-daughter, Fanya, whom she loved spending time with watching movies, baking (Halloween-birthday cookies), making crafts, going to shows, putting up Christmas decorations and coaching her in drama and singing. She will leave a huge hole in our hearts.

In memory of Dawne, please consider donating to Myeloma Canada.

A Celebration of Life will take place on June 21 from 12-3. For details email: [email protected]