Dawn L Shaffer

Poetically named after the first appearance of light or daybreak, Dawn was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Deloris I. Randall (Timm) and Dale M. Randall and raised in the Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. Afterward, she embraced her next great adventure by becoming a devoted wife and mother, and, in time, a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother.

Dawn married the love of her life, Gary Shaffer, on June 26, 1965, in Phoenix, Arizona. For 61 years, they built a beautiful life together, filled to the brim with smiles and laughter. Their marriage was truly a partnership found only in the greatest love stories. Be it rain or sunshine, the friendship between Dawn and Gary endured and evolved, proving to the world that marriage is all about falling in love with who your partner becomes as well as who they are now. Their journey took them from Phoenix, Arizona to San Diego, California, then to Dover, Delaware, before they eventually retired in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through every move and every season, Dawn was the glue that kept their family firmly and lovingly together.

Affectionately called “Nana” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, just as her own mother had been, Dawn lived for her family and was at her happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. Their home was always open to family and friends, and everyone was welcomed with a smile, a big hug, and often a seat at the dinner table. Her belief was simple: love beyond measure. Their years together were filled with family road trips, many visits to Disneyland, holidays, laughter, and memories that will be cherished for generations.

Dawn had the biggest heart, a wonderfully silly spirit, and an unforgettable sense of humor. She was known for singing and dancing no matter who was watching, delivering a perfectly timed one-liner when it was least expected, and was truly the queen of the side-eye. Affectionately known as “Dawnie Poo,” “Bullwinkle,” and “Auntie Dawn,” she was deeply loved by her many nieces, nephews, extended family, and even strangers she had only just met. It was completely natural for her to embrace the best friends of her children and grandchildren as though they were her own.

Dawn loved angels, Christmas, Hallmark movies, her soap operas, game shows, romance novels, word searches, sudoku, solitaire, and playing classic video games with her grandchildren. She was an excellent cook, and her potato salad was a family favorite. One could not simply arrive at her home and leave with an empty stomach. She could soothe babies and children in mere moments; the familiar rhythm of her gentle pats and famous back scratches were cherished by generations. A devoted dog mom, she shared her home and heart with many beloved dachshunds throughout her life.

She could almost always be found with freshly painted nails, a lip balm tucked into her pocket, a special treat ready for one of her great-grandchildren, and occasionally a little lipstick on her teeth. She was funny, warm, accepting, and a little absentminded in the most endearing way. Even the smallest of accomplishments would make her gasp with joy, while even the slightest mention of a reptile would do the exact opposite. Dawn wanted nothing but happiness and the very best for each and every one of her family members. They could always count on her to make them feel special and loved.

Dawn is survived by her devoted husband, Gary; her children, Teresa R. See (Rodney), Thomas G. Shaffer (Cathy), and Tiffanie L. Gregg (Jason); her grandchildren, Shaun (Anna), Sierra, Savanna (Michael), Caitlyn, Cassidy, Courtney, and Camryn; her great-grandchildren, Athena and Jace; and her siblings, Dennis (Sheila), Debbie (Paul), Darcy (Mike), and Douglas (Lolita). She is also remembered with love by her many nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Deloris I. Randall and Dale M. Randall; her brother-in-law, Mike; her stepmother, Clare; and her newborn son, Timothy R. Shaffer.

A cancer survivor, Dawn faced life’s challenges with strength, humor, and love. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Dawn’s name to the American Cancer Society. Donations may be made online at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.cancer.org__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!Ih8V1ILnvxAELSgfydQjnsC1YeMPOIjaR1hGozwb3HXWLQEtgGRuOT7ArVAnd80WvWOLbr7Fmc0ZJegnE0WVesVBm3Yb3c1ioZw$[cancer[.]org], or by mail to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Please indicate Dawn Louise Shaffer’s name with your gift.

The family also invites other family members, friends, neighbors, and all who knew Dawn to share their memories, stories, and condolences, so that her legacy of kindness and joy may continue to inspire and comfort everyone whose lives she touched.

Funeral and celebration-of-life arrangements will be shared once they have been finalized. Updates will be provided through family announcements and social media.

Dawn spent her life loving people well. Her family will forever miss her beautiful smile, comforting hugs, quick wit, open heart, and the light and warmth she brought into every room. Her love will remain the glue holding them together, just as it did throughout her life.