Patricia "Dawn" (Smith) James

It is with profound sadness that we announce that on May 12, 2026, Dawn James, the greatest Mom, wife, and best friend to many people, passed peacefully at the age of 60 in Calgary, Alberta.

Patricia “Dawn” Smith was born December 3, 1965, in Powell River, BC, where she spent the first 10 years of her life before moving to Comox. In 1979 her family moved to Sidney, BC where Dawn attended Parkland Secondary and graduated in 1983.

Dawn met Pat James in 1989 at Camosun College, where they fell in love. They moved to Castlegar, BC to attend Selkirk College in the Fall of 1989 and the rest is history. After a short stint in Calgary they relocated to East Coulee, AB in 1993. Dawn became a fitness instructor in Drumheller and was also well on her way to becoming a “Domestic Goddess.”  Pat and Dawn were married in July of 1996 at a beautiful ceremony and party in Sooke, BC.

In 1998 Dawn and Pat were blessed with a bouncing baby boy, Grady, the joy of their life. A chance meeting connected Dawn with the Sandum family in Dalum, AB resulting in Dawn pursuing what would become one of her passions as a sign language interpreter. While Dawn went to school working with Shayla, Grady had the luxury of spending many great days on the farm with Auntie Lori. Dawn loved time spent at the farm and remained very close with Shayla and Lori Sandum who affectionately referred to her as “Smith.” 

In 2003 Dawn, Pat and Grady moved to Calgary where Dawn promptly went to work at the neighbourhood school working in the lunch program and as an aid to special needs students. Dawn loved this job and like everything else she did she was a rock star. She had a unique ability to connect with kids and was a favourite of many students.

Many people knew Dawn for her figure skating prowess which was a big part of her early life in Powell River, Comox and Sydney. Dawn was an amazing skater, and it was something she took great pride in. Dawn was also a very talented crafter. She had a brilliant crafting mind and could seem to make something out of nothing whether it was a blanket, a Halloween costume or a card for any special event. Many blankets were made over the years for people she knew with newborns. Dawn cooked like she crafted. No need for a recipe she could put together a fabulous meal with whatever was available.

Dawn also enjoyed gardening, visiting her dad Steve in Ashcroft BC, going to Stamps games, walking her dog Tucker, chatting with the neighbours and chilling with a good glass of wine.

Dawn is survived by her husband Pat, her son Grady, her Dad Steve, her sister Kari Davis (Rob), niece Taylor and nephew Jeff, sister Robyn Young (Jeff) & nieces Molly and Violet, nephews Gibson and Findlay; sister Wendy Harding (Oba) & nephews Winton and Odie; brother Dale Johnson (Erin), nephew Quinn and niece Kate; brother Bradley (Danielle), & nieces Addison & Avery.

Dawn was predeceased by her mom Noel Smith and biological father Dean Johnson.

If there was ever an example of someone who loved life, could bring a smile to any room and was always there for friends and family, Dawn was that person. She is someone to aspire to and leaves a lasting legacy of love and caring mixed with a sense of humour and a bit of an edge when needed. She was a beautiful person inside and out who will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at a yet to be determined time and location.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Patricia "Dawn" (Smith) James, please visit our Tree Store.