Dawn Elizabeth Durkee's Obituary
Heaven gained an angel with the passing of Dawn E. Durkee on June 3, 2020. Dawn passed peacefully surrounded by her family after having fought a hard battle with cancer. Born June 17, 1958, Dawn was the firstborn daughter to Murray and Maxine Sayre. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she moved to Spring Lake Michigan in 1969 and spent the vast majority of her life in the area.
She was an honors student through her schooling and graduated from Fruitport High School in 1976.
At a young age it became apparent that Dawn’s love extended to all living things, particularly flowers and animals. She loved helping her mother with the flower garden, which later on became a lifetime passion. As a child, she was always bringing home “lost” animals, including snakes, turtles, frogs and loved them all along with her family dogs and cats.
Dawn never stopped learning. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1982 with a degree in Horticulture and Urban Planning. She later attended Baker College and obtained a degree in Quality Control Engineering. She was an avid reader her entire life devouring books of all kinds and genres.
The true loves of her life were her family. Dawn found her soulmate, Harold Durkee, and they were married on June 18, 1994. They joined together her two children from a previous marriage, son and daughter Kyle and Chelsea Goodchild and Harold’s son, Eric Durkee.
Dawn used her knowledge, education and interests wisely, and worked many places over her career with the last 15 years spent at Acemco.
Dawn loved her flower gardens and orchids in particular. She also maintained BEAUTIFUL flower beds at her home and was a member of the Grand Valley Orchid Society where she served as President for several years.
She and her husband Harold were members of the Lakeshore British Car Club and enjoyed cruising together in their 1972 Spitfire.
Besides her parents and children, Dawn is survived by her
sisters, Denise Brettmann (Gary) and Renee’ Mischel (John), one grandchild, Genevieve Goodchild, and a grandson due July 6, 2020. She is also survived by her nephew, Bob Noel, and her niece, Grace Mischel, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial of Dawn’s life will be celebrated on June 7, 2020 at Pottawatomie Park at 2:00pm. The address is 15600 Comstock St., Grand Haven, MI, 49417. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family who is selecting a couple of charities that are important to Dawn. Arrangements by The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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