Dawn (Zeron) Getgood

It is with great sadness and with love and gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Eleanor Dawn Getgood (née Zeron) on October 23, 2026, at the age of 100. Dawn passed peacefully at the Burlington, Ontario home of her daughter, with family at her bedside.

Born on March 19, 1926, in Morrisburg, Ontario, Dawn was the daughter of Sanford and Gladys (Bouck) Zeron. She entered the world at the home of her grandfather, where her mother had chosen to stay to ensure access to medical care during the often-harsh March weather.

Dawn grew up on a farm on the Second Concession of Matilda Township near the St. Lawrence River. She attended a one-room rural schoolhouse before moving to Morrisburg to live with her grandparents and attend Morrisburg Collegiate Institute, graduating in 1943. She then attended Teachers' College in Ottawa, earning a temporary teaching certificate in 1944. After teaching for two years at the same school she had attended as a child, S.S. No. 6 Matilda, she pursued further education at Victoria College, University of Toronto, obtaining her permanent teaching certificate.

While studying in Toronto, Dawn met her future husband, Lewis James Getgood, who was completing his engineering degree at the University of Toronto. Their paths crossed at a dance held for students at the university's Ajax campus. At the end of the evening, Lewis asked if he could drive Dawn back to her residence, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Dawn and Lewis were married on August 27, 1949, in the little white church on the Second Concession north of Iroquois, Ontario. The church stood on land donated by Dawn's great-grandfather, a lasting connection to the community she loved.

Following their marriage, Lewis began a long career with Toronto Hydro. Dawn taught at Victory Public School in Malton before leaving the classroom in 1953 to devote herself to raising a family.

And what a family it became. Over twelve and a half years, Dawn and Lewis welcomed eleven children, six boys and five girls, including three sets of twins. As her family grew through the generations, Dawn embraced her roles as grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, taking a genuine interest in the lives and accomplishments of each member of her ever-expanding family.

In March of this year, Dawn celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by loved ones and received congratulatory greetings from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as the Governor General of Canada.

Although she left formal teaching, Dawn never stopped being an educator. She shared her curiosity and love of learning with everyone around her. Her appreciation for nature inspired countless family moments spent watching clouds drift by, storms roll in, or sunsets fade from the front porch. Her love of history, reading, and writing poetry was passed down through generations.

Dawn's lessons extended well beyond academics. Even in her final months, she could be found correcting grammar and encouraging proper speech. More importantly, she taught by example the values that guided her life: kindness, respect, and compassion for others. Her advice was simple and enduring: Never gossip. If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all.

Dawn is predeceased by her parents Sanford and Gladys Zeron, her beloved husband, Lewis, and by her sons Donald and David (Kathy).

She is lovingly remembered by her children John, Alan (Kara), Douglas (Colleen), Ann Marie (David), Dawn, Diane (John), Gordon, Kari (Russell), and Kim (Peter); her grandchildren Michelle (Brett), Tanya, Nicole, Thomas (Layla), Derek (Diana), James (Lucía), Lisa (Kevin), Alexander (Leslee), Meagan, Daniel (Matthew), Matthew, James (Helen), Brianna, Mackenzie, Nathaniel, Erika, Timothy, and Alex; along with her great- and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her love, wisdom, and presence.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Carol Silverstein, Dawn's physician for more than 30 years. Her exceptional care, guidance, and support, particularly during the past five years and in Dawn's final days, meant more to the family than words can express.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home at 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 1W3 on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 12 p.m. Following the service, please join the family for a reception on the second floor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, an organization close to Dawn's heart.

"A life well lived leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who were loved."