TANNER, Dawn Christine July 4, 1971 – March 10, 2019 It is with profound sadness that Dawn was taken from us so soon in the tragic Ethiopian Airline crash. Dawn was a loving and supportive mother who will be dearly missed by her sons Cody French and Hunter French. Dawn was predeceased by mother Audrey Tanner and father Donald Tanner.
Born in Hamilton, Dawn attended Bartonville and Viscount Montgomery elementary schools before Churchill Secondary School. Dawn continued at the University of Guelph where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Bio-Chemistry with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. However, in 2003 she graduated from the Ontario Institute for Studies In Education at the University of Toronto receiving her Bachelor of Education. Dawn began teaching at JC Hill Elementary on Six Nations of the Grand River before moving to Hagersville High School (GEDSB) as a Learning Resource Teacher and later becoming the Department Head in Special Education. Dawn was a true champion for her students and was always available for extra help, whether it be in her after school classes or at the Six Nations Polytechnic Homework Support. In all she did, through her interactions with students, colleagues, friends, family and all the animals she encountered, Dawn touched the hearts of many as a true humanitarian.
Dawn had been visiting Kenya over the past three years to help educate and aid children in rural villages; this became one of her many passions. Our family is very grateful for the kindness and love the community has provided, and hope this may be extended to the other 156 victims families affected by this tragic event.
We would like to invite all to come and join family and friends at a visitation to Celebrate Dawn’s Life on Sunday, April 7th 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. at the Caledonia Lions Hall, 100 Haddington St., Caledonia.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the SPCA would be appreciated.