Dawn Elizabeth Andrews, 45, a young woman who fully walked with faith in
God in the midst of ongoing adversity, went to her heavenly reward Saturday,
July 23, 2011. She was born in Aberdeen on August 22, 1965, the daughter
of Ronald A. and Candice J. (Gobat) Makos. Soon after, her family relocated
to Cosmopolis, where she resided most of her life. She graduated from
Weatherwax High School in 1983.
Her adversities began at the age of four with the diagnosis of
diabetes, and at the age of 18 a horse-riding accident resulted in a brain
injury, incapacitating some learning skills. At the age of 21 she was
told she would lose her eyesight due to diabetes, which was also causing the
loss of a kidney.
These ailments changed Dawn from a fairly shy and quiet child
to a young woman with a strong and determined attitude with the ability to
conquer any adversity she would face. Dawn had often said, "My guide dog
is a Boxer, but I am referred to as the Pit Bull!"
After her kidney transplant, and already blind at the age of
23, Dawn went to Seattle and attended South Seattle Community College where
she earned two AA Degrees -- one in Administrative Assistance and one for
Word-Processing. She also received three certificates in other fields. She
then worked with the City of Seattle, a Montesano law firm, The Evergreen
State College, and from 2000-03 served on the Cosmopolis City Council. At
the time of her passing, she worked as a transcriptionist for the Grays
Harbor Children's Advocacy Center in Montesano.
Dawn was appointed by the Governor to the State of Washington
Executive Board, Department of Services for the Blind. Dawn was also the
founding member of SIGHT (Sight Impaired of Grays Harbor Together) and was
a member of the Civil Service Board for Cosmopolis from 2006 until her
passing.
In 2004, Dawn met Dale Andrews of Atlanta, GA, an Ordained
Southern Baptist Minister and also visually impaired, at Pilot Dogs, Inc.
and they were married in 2005. Together from 2005-08 they served as
Long-term Care Ombudsman at Channel Point in Hoquiam. They served
on the worship team at South Aberdeen Baptist Church.
Between the head injury, blindness, kidney failure and the heart attacks,
God was a major part of her life, and all of her life and challenges were
handed over to Him. He had a plan for her and He had given her the
strength and faith to fulfill His plan.
Dawn is survived by her husband, Dale Andrews, at the family
home in Cosmopolis; her parents: Ron and Candice Makos, Cosmopolis; a
sister: Kerry Lynn McKay, Aberdeen; and a niece: Madilyn "Madi" McKay,
Aberdeen; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A time of visitation will be held at Fern Hill Funeral Home,
Friday, July 29th from 1-8 PM.
A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, July 30th at
the South Aberdeen Baptist Church, 620 Fordney St., Aberdeen. A private
interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Cosmopolis.
The family suggests memorial may be made to SIGHT, P.O. Box
826, Aberdeen, WA 98520; or Pilot Dogs, Inc., 625 W. Town St., Columbus, OH
43215
A card of condolence with a message may be seent to the family
at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.
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memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dawn Andrews, please visit our
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