Elizabeth Regina DAWSON
Elizabeth Regina Dawson
(our remarkable Nana Liz)
Elizabeth “Nana Liz” Dawson passed away on March 14, 2025, at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, at the age of 85.
Our Nana Liz was a powerhouse. True to form, she requested that we not hold a formal service: “because nobody should disrupt exciting plans to show up at a funeral.” As anyone who knew Nana can attest, it was pointless to argue with her. We have decided to celebrate her life in a way we think she would approve—together as her family, on one of her favorite beaches, with delicious food, much laughter, and our favorite Nana stories. It took time to decide how to do this, and we waited to write Nana’s obituary until our plan to honour her life was agreed upon.
Liz was a devoted mom, friend, nurse, and educator. She was smart, generous, fearless, and full of energy—a mover, shaker, and change-maker at home, in her many communities, and as a groundbreaking professional. She and our Papa Pat created magic together for over 60 years, building a life filled with adventure in Edmonton, Germany, Maui, and the Comox Valley. To know her was to be welcomed, cared for, and inspired. She was a remarkable human being.
And oh, the stories.
When Liz and Pat visited Maui for the first time in 1982, after years of family trips to Oahu, Liz fell in love with the place instantly. One week into their stay at a condo in Kihei, she walked up to Pat (who was, of course, stretched out by the pool with a rum and Coke) and announced: “I bought the condo we’re renting—it’s ours now.” And just like that, she set us up for decades of family adventures in Maui. Liz and Pat’s home there became an oasis for their children, and eventually grandchildren. We visited almost every year for decades, and felt loved, welcomed and refreshed as a result. Nana’s hospitality, and in particular, her cinnamon buns, were famous.
Nana’s adventurous spirit characterized her life.
She started her career as a nurse, and parlayed that into a job as one of WardAir’s first generation of “stewardesses”. This caused Pat to hold down the house for days at a time while Karen and Jan were small. Nana’s love of travel led her to encourage Pat to take a job teaching for the Canadian Armed Forces in Germany. Karen and Jan spent two formative years there as children, and came to believe that it was normal to spend almost every weekend exploring a different part of Europe while camping in a Volkswagen Van.
Nana threw unforgettable parties, like her backyard Oktoberfests complete with her dirndl, wooden shoes, and polka dancing to oom-pah-pah music. She orchestrated surprises, like the Alaska cruise for Pat’s 70th birthday, when 40 of his closest friends appeared on board without him knowing. Professionally, she blazed trails at Grant MacEwan College, becoming its first female dean and insisting on equal pay when she discovered she earned less than her male peers. She was recognized nationally and internationally as a pioneer in Occupational Health, and travelled often to the US, Asia, and Europe to speak at conferences and consult.
Liz was hardworking. She was also a faithful friend and volunteer who gave countless hours to support the people she loved.
Liz made the world better. And she had fun, and brought fun to countless others, while she did this.
We invite you to take a moment to remember your own favourite Liz Dawson story and to share it in the space provided for condolences. In that sharing, her energy will continue to ripple outward.
Thank you for your love and support during these past months as we reflect upon, and celebrate, the extraordinary life of our Nana Liz.
In lieu of flowers, please make a small donation to your favourite charity in Liz’s name.
Dear Karen and Jan and families,
It is with sadness that we learned about your mom’s passing.
Your obituary brought back many dear memories of times spent with your family – camping, visiting, playing cards, and laughing – lots of laughing.
Your parents were wonderful friends that we could always count on. We miss them.
Rita Rempel and family.
Thank you for your warm words. Sending love to you and your lovely clan.
Dear Karen, Jan and families,
What a wonderful tribute to your mom. This obituary characterizes her perfectly!
Our memories go back to our times together as the “campers”. Liz was so funny, so adventurous, and so caring. We will remember her and the good times we shared.
Love and best wishes,
Shirley and Norm Diemert
Dear Karen, Jan and families
Thank you for sharing the beautiful words about your mom, an amazing colleague. My relationship with Liz began when she was on my hiring committee at MacEwan in 1989. We had a terrific working relationship as, in her words, “the two fuzzy haired administrators”! I recall the incredibly funny “wedding ceremony” when two divisions, Health and Community Studies, joined forces, shortly before she retired. My last memory of her was also on campus – celebrating MacEwan’s 50th anniversary – when I was privileged to chat and reminisce with her.
Personally, we had a great visit at your parents’ condo in Kihei, years ago.
Thank you for sharing your mom with us – her laugh and her joie de vivre will always remain with me.
Oh what wonderful memories I have of Liz! In KGE Liz and Pat became fast friends with my parents, Jan and Chuck Witte. When in Maui, I tagged along to quilting, water exercise, and all the other stuff Liz and my mom would think to do! She was so fun and always the leader of the pack. I was fortunate enough to go to Alaska with the gang and visited Pat and Liz in Canada. Those days were the best! My heart hurts when I think about her passing. Jan, Karen and families…please know that your parents will forever hold a place in my heart. They gave me great memories to hang onto. I miss those days. Sending hugs to you both.
Ooooh Karen. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She sounds like an amazing person who will be missed by many. I know so well the grief journey and it is different for all. I am sending you a warm, warm Medicine hat hug.
Such a beautiful tribute for your beautiful mom. We have so many wonderful Maui memories of both your parents! Not the least of which is tiny stuffed animals set on the blades of the ceiling fan in their condo, and betting which one would fly off first, to my kids’ absolute delight! Laughter and smiles all around. We always felt like family whenever we visited Maui when they were there. Sending love and hugs to the entire family.
~ Karen Kondor
Thinking of you and yours Karen. Huge loss xx