Dawn Smith

It is with love and sadness that the family of Dawn Marie Smith (Dankert) announce her passing on Monday December 19, 2022 at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Toledo, OH, Dawn was a graduate of Whitmer High School where she was a member of the Pep Squad and the Whitmer Circus. She later attended the University of Toledo studying education, but pursued a lifelong career in orthodontics where she helped enhance the smiles of others. Dawn lived throughout the U.S., making homes in NY, TX, TN, WA, FL, and finally returning to OH to be near family. She was passionate about baking and loved to shower friends with homemade treats, including her favorite -- chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. During warmer weather, Dawn could be found cultivating her flower garden creating an outdoor sanctuary full of purple blooms. She loved to read, treasured time with her pets, enjoyed learning about different places and cultures, embraced talking to anyone, and was always tackling new recipes in her kitchen. She valued spending time with her children and grandchildren whether it was spent chatting over coffee, roasting marshmallows in the fire pit, beating everyone at Wii bowling, or watching her favorite Hallmark movies. She was an advocate for everyone in her life and cheerleader to all. She will be missed by anyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dawn will be lovingly remembered by her spouse, Harold; children, Andrea (Nathaniel), John, Nicholas (Amanda) and Dax; grandchildren, Addison, Grace, Tara, and Elliot; sibling Richard (Kimberly); along with numerous friends and family.

Dawn is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Rosemarie Dankert.

At Dawn's request, a small family service was held on December 21, 2022 at Walker Funeral Home in Sylvania, OH. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be established by her children for family and friends to share in Dawn's life.

10-20% of lung cancers occur in people who never smoke. To honor the challenges faced by those battling lung cancer, the family asks that donations be made to the American Lung Association in honor of Dawn. Help find a cure for this aggressive disease. www.lung.org