Dawna Adele Huggett

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dawna Huggett, who left us far too soon at the age of 61 on August 18, 2024, in Gresham, Oregon, with her loving husband by her side.

Dawna is survived by her husband, John; her daughters, Samantha (partner Rob, children Alex & Gabby) and Meagan (husband Jared, children Billy and Noah); her son, Ryan (wife Lexxie, child Braxton); her parents, Lido & Goldy; and her siblings, Mark, Gaylene, Sherri, and Suzie. She is also mourned by many extended family members, nieces, and nephews. Dawna was predeceased by her sister, Jo-Anne and father-in-law, Gary.

Born at sunrise on Mother's Day, May 12, 1963, in Rossland, British Columbia, Dawna was a bright light from the very beginning. Known for her feisty spirit, fierce dedication to what was right, and open-hearted kindness, she touched the lives of everyone she met. Dawna spent most of her childhood and early adult life in Williams Lake, British Columbia, before relocating to the United States, where she built a beautiful life with John in Gresham, Oregon.

Dawna worked as an Anesthesia Assistant at Legacy Mt. Hood Hospital, where her life was rooted in helping others. Her colleagues and friends at the hospital will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our family is forever grateful for the love and care you showed Dawna, whether through working alongside her, befriending her, or providing comfort during her final days. Words cannot express our gratitude.

Dawna’s passion for the outdoors, gardening, cooking, and rock-hounding was a gift she shared with many of her loved ones. If you were fortunate enough to know her, chances are she shared a recipe, gifted you something from her garden, or gave you a rock to carry in your pocket.

A private person by nature, Dawna didn't often share her personal journey with others. She believed that you never know what someone else is going through and that a simple act of kindness could be exactly what they needed in their day. In her own battle with health challenges over the past few years, Dawna found comfort in a simple mantra: "Just Keep Swimming." Inspired by a small fish named Dory, these words carried her through the toughest moments, days, and weeks.

Dawna cherished her grandchildren and took immense pride in watching them grow. As her birth date would suggest, her greatest honor and achievement in life was becoming a mother and grandmother. She nurtured a special bond with each of her grandchildren, ensuring they knew how deeply they were loved.

Even in passing, Dawna continued to help others as an organ donor. We find comfort in knowing that her generous spirit lives on in those she helped. We encourage anyone who hasn't already done so to register as an organ donor—a decision that meant the world to Dawna.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Healing Garden at Mt. Hood Hospital at https://www.legacyhealthgiving.org/dawnahuggett . This space, where Dawna and many others found solace, will continue to provide comfort to those who grieve or celebrate, surrounded by the beauty of the garden.

Dawna Huggett will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness, love, and strength will live on in our hearts forever.