It is with deep sadness that the Blain family announces the passing of Mrs. Phillippa Dawn Blain (née Bateman) on September 8, 2020, at the age of 94. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, L Col Charles Wilfred Blain, by their son Richard, and by her brothers Sidney and Edward. She will be remembered lovingly by her daughter Christine (Larry), sons Robert and David (Lori), sister Gloria, as well as by her grandchildren Kelli (Luc), Jessica, Michael, Shawna, Laura, and Stephanie, and great grandchildren Emma and Megan.
Dawn was an incomparable hostess and discerner of taste, qualities she put to good use in a late career in silver and housewares at Henry Birks and Sons. She took great pride in her life as an Air Force officer's wife - having lived across ON and QC, as well as in France and Germany, establishing a home and social network for her family with each move, before settling in Ottawa in 1970.
She was a tireless volunteer, raising funds for many causes, and especially devoting 30 years' service to the Ottawa Heart Institute; every year, on Christmas Day, Dawn showed up early to care for the families of critical care patients when no one else would, even though she was single-handedly preparing Christmas dinner and festivities for her own extended family at home. She received multiple awards for her efforts, including Governor General's Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2013 and Caring Canadian Award in 2014. She will be remembered for her bright smile, her dedication to helping others in their time of need, and her cutthroat games of Rummoli.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the University of Ottawa's Heart Institute. Service details, donations, online guestbook, and memorial photos to follow on https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/dawn-blain/5025
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