This is a blog update by Thomas Frearson, Dawn’s eldest son. Dawn passed away peacefully in her sleep, Nov 14, 2022, at 10:25 pm pacific time. She was in her bedroom in the view of Mount Si, in the home she loved and was surrounded by the family she loved. We will provide more information on a celebration of life for a future date. If you’ve kept up to date with this blog, you know that she’s faced her horrible diagnosis of glioblastoma head on and with grace and humor. She went out the same way.
My mum really loved being able to write this blog while she was living with cancer. I had the task of setting it up mainly because I work with computers and knew what a domain name was. I am not a great editor and so tried to keep any copy editing short. Because of how much she enjoyed the blog, I really wanted to give a final update here. My goal is to keep the blog running indefinitely so that everyone and anyone can continue to read about my mum’s journey.
This was a really devastating diagnosis. She had arguably the worst possible hand dealt when it comes to brain cancer. She started with a surgery that removed a lot of growth but left her with a deficit on her left arm and leg. After surgery, they were incredibly weak. If you knew my mum, you’d know that she was not weak, and worked very hard to not be weak. Throughout the following radiation therapy, she got outside daily starting with walking down the block and leading up to multiple miles and actually cross country skiing! It was so inspiring to see her get up and get out despite her discomfort.
She had some really good months there with family gatherings, trips in Flo, hanging out with friends, and living life to the fullest. We also had some really sad times when the reality of the situation would set in. Every MRI and update was a gut wrenching few days of anxiety, with many scans revealing improvements, or at least stability, for a while.
In March 2022 my mum started noticing weakness on her left side again. This culminated in a trip to the ER, and eventually finding that the tumors had started growing again. We went through a lot of ups and downs over the next few months. Some hope and some despair. She still got outside and traveled and spent even more valuable time with family. People visited from all over the world this past summer.
Through all the down turns, we were still able to convince ourselves that it wasn’t so bad. Transferring mum from bed to wheelchair to bathroom to couch/dining table/adirondack became a new normal. Wheelchair walks to the cul-de-sac at the end of the road became fun adventures. My mum kept mostly good spirits even though this was the hardest thing she’d ever had to endure.
In recent weeks, my mum became more and more confused. Waking up in the morning was much harder to do, even with her routine tea and toast with marmite from my dad. Naps became more frequent and longer. Food wasn’t tasting good. Mainly though, we noticed her attention was drifting more and more. It was hard for her to answer questions, and responses weren’t quick. Her left side was really abandoned by her brain. I asked her if she had anything to say for this final blog and she told me “It got harder and harder towards the end to form sentences. Thank you to everyone who helped me out and followed my journey along the way. It was just this month when I realized just how many people surrounded me.”. It’s amazing how humble my mum was. I don’t know that she ever truly realized how much of an impact she’s had on this world. No matter how many times I tried to let her know, I think she always just thought she was normal. Given that, I want you all to know what an amazing person she was.
Dawn Golder Frearson was an amazing woman. She found a spectacular partner in David Frearson with whom to share her life and adventures. She was a loving, caring, supportive wife throughout their more than 40 years together. She raised four wonderful children: Thomas, Anna, Daisy, and Jonathan, that she loved with all of her enormous heart. She knew the ways in which to support each of her kids and make them know they are loved. I know she was proud of all of us and the lives we have and continue to build. She has five grandchildren, each unique and special to her. Her grandkids became her world. She told me many times near the end that her grandkids were the reason she was still with us. They meant the world to her.
Dawn was a friend to so many people. Over the last year or so I’ve gotten to know so many of the people in my mum’s life. They all love her so much because she’s this beacon of joy and inspiration. With her friends she paddleboards, does yoga, hikes, runs, skis, talks, eats and drinks. I know every friend in her life has a huge void in their heart today.
As a teacher, Dawn reached hundreds of kids from the Snoqualmie valley that are growing up with little pieces of inspiration from her. Not only was she a science teacher, but she also ran the ski club, outdoor clubs, dance clubs, and more. With no experience, she coached volleyball and track and field. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do to help improve her kids’ lives. There have been many occasions where someone reads my last name and asks if I know Mrs. Frearson the science teacher, even outside the valley.
Maybe my mum never realized the extent of her influence because it was too large to realize. This blog has been a small extension of that influence, and a way that she loved putting her thoughts out into the world. I hope everyone that comes here to read this can find some inspiration or wisdom in her words. Thank you for reading.
If you’d like to do something to show your appreciation of Dawn, she requested donations be made to Waskowitz Outdoor School.
Two Lemons 
Thomas my heart melts for you all 💗
Your Mom sure was an amazing woman and an inspiration to those who knew her.
Sending you all big warm hugs and our deepest sympathies for your loss.
John & Debbie xo
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Thomas – sending so much love to you, your dad, Anna, Daisy and Jonathan – along with all of your families! We loved your mom and she was a force of nature! She lit up any room she walked into and even though we did not see each other much over the years since you all left SMS and MT Si – when I did see her, we could pick up right where we left off. You are all her heart and soul and she will be living in each of you for all your days ahead!
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Beautiful, well written Thomas. An extraordinary woman that led a meaningful life. So very happy to call her my dear dear friend.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find strength in each other during this devastating time. Her spirit will live on in each one of you. She’s a remarkable woman and an inspiration to us all. With love from Yasmin and Omar
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Bonjour Thomas, c’est Sylvie (de France) ; quel texte poignant, merci et une ode à l’amour pour ta maman ! Je comprends que tous les gens qui l’ont croisée s’en souviennent car c’était une personne très forte, comme tu dis, et aimant partager ! Je suis contente de ces photos, ce texte, et du fait que le blog continue…. Justement hier en lisant le message d’Anna, je me disais que maintenant je n’aurais plus ces textes émanant de mon amie et que cela ferait un vide, du coup je suis très contente que tu continues à le faire vivre. Merci aussi pour toutes ces photos, nous n’avons pas besoin de cela pour penser à elle, ni à vous qui traversez cette période si difficile tous ensemble, mais cela fait du bien de vous voir tous ensemble. Au travers de vous, ses enfants, je pourrai être encore avec Dawn. Je n’oublie pas non plus Dave qui a su l’aimer et lui faire voir la beauté de chaque jour jusqu’à son dernier souffle. Je vous embrasse tous et une grande pensée vers l’Amérique, si loin pour moi, mais les pensées voyagent très loin……..
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Thank you for your beautiful words Thomas. Yes, the void is large and my heart is heavy with grief. This was not supposed to happen to such a beautiful soul. The lesson I take with me is to fully appreciate every single day that I am blessed with. I will rise like Dawn every morning. Today’s paddle on beautiful Biscayne Bay was spent with your sweet mum fully present in my mind. I will forever remember our hike up Mt. Si together like it was yesterday. Thinking of you all and sending so much love. ❤️
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So sorry for your deep loss Thomas and families. You are all a part of your Mum in so many different ways. This is what genetics gives us. She lives on in all of you. She will continue to live on in the hearts of her friends too. Thank you for helping her with the blog. It has enabled a deeper connection with Dawn from near and far. I am lost for words but know that we are all with you. Lots of love ❤️
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Ce qui m’apaise c’est de savoir qu’elle a été entourée d’amour jusqu’au dernier souffle !
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Beautiful… and oh my goodness, that song. It’s as if he knew your mum.♡
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Love you Thomas. This was beautifully written – exactly as your mum would have written.
Sandy MAYDEW
Sent from my iPhone
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A lovely tribute to a beautiful woman. She was a whole lot of fun. And she was so perfect in her caring ways, always looking for the way to be there for people. Quietly, subtly, but reliably there. She challenged me (and many) to be a better person… not in a judgmental way but through her example and loving questions. You are right about that void- she will be sorely missed. I’m going to work on taking comfort in finding her in nature’s beauty. She’s there. All my love to your whole family.
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Peace, love and cherished memories to you all. Dawn left an indelible mark, on the people she touched and the physical world she inhabited for too short a time.
Her ripple lives on.
My thoughts and energy are with you 🙏
Tara
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I sure remember Mrs. Fearson’s science class! My first year living in Snoqualmie was my 7th grade year and I was in her class and I loved it and her as a teacher. My condolences to her family and friends 🤍
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When the only bad thing you can say about a person is that they microwaved fish in the staff lounge, that’s saying something.
Words can not describe the impact Dawn has had on my life. From the first time we met at my interview to work with her at Twin Falls, through our tearful goodbyes when I transitioned schools, to our final meetings together talking about curriculum, travel, and life. We were together the day after that fateful night in November 2016 when the world took a turn in a direction neither of us could ever imagine. We crocheted ‘pussy hats’ and wore them to school in support of the Women’s March. No matter how my day was going, I could pop my head in her room and be greeted with the warmest smile that has ever existed. Dawn helped me become a more considerate, patient, and empathetic teacher. She urged me to take chances, make mistakes, and learn from it. She radiated nothing but positive vibes and limitless energy. Much love to the Frearson family. The world has lost someone special and irreplaceable. ❤
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