Dawn Hastings Obituary (2024)
Dawn Western Hastings
February 20, 1946 - June 10, 2024
MADISON - Dawn Western Hastings, age 78, passed away on June 10, 2024, in Madison. She died from Alzheimer's complications surrounded by her family, remaining brave and graceful until the end.
Dawn was born on February 20, 1946, in Stanley, WI, to Alvin, a cheesemaker, and Alvina Western. She shared stories of attending a small country schoolhouse and picking beans for a penny a basket. Dawn attended UW Madison alongside her brother. She studied Slavic languages and spent a year abroad in Russia, reflecting her interest in languages, people and cultures.
In early 1971, Dawn crossed paths with her future husband Curt while working at Smokey's Restaurant. After many declined invitations and much persistence on Curt's part, Dawn finally agreed to go on a date with Curt and the beginnings of an enduring relationship and happy family were formed. Dawn and Curt were married in 1975, and after spending ten years in the Hill Farms area, they moved to their permanent home in Shorewood Hills where their three children grew up.
Motherhood and grandmotherhood were possibly the greatest passions of Dawn's life. Dawn was a devoted and extraordinary mother, committing much of her time and energy to giving her children the best upbringing possible, always filled with love and fresh bagels. She was also a nurturing and supportive figure to many other friends and family members, and she served as a mother-figure to many beyond her own children. She went out of her way to ensure that no child felt left out.
She also dedicated her time and kindness to helping her community through volunteer work, and she loved to serve others. She became an Attic Angel where she found joy in helping the elderly, she was a member of P.E.O. and she helped at countless school and community events. Dawn held dear her many treasured friendships with those from her neighborhood, fellow parents, volunteer groups, symphony lovers, and Curt's networking events, to name a few.
In her younger years she could often be found on the tennis court a couple of times each week. She would holiday regularly in Door County with a group of lady friends. She was involved in a wide range of clubs including book clubs, investment club, gardening club and in her later years she enjoyed Mah Jong with her card club. In addition to spending her latter winters in the Florida Keys with her beloved husband; Dawn also maintained a love for Northern Wisconsin and fishing, stemming from her childhood with her parents. She spent many happy days in Manitowish Waters and Minocqua.
Dawn will be remembered as a joyous woman who was filled with love for others and who was generous beyond measure. She went out of her way to help others, especially those who needed it most. She was a gift to those who knew her. Her wonderful relationships will survive her, and we all mourn Dawn's passing.
Dawn is survived by her husband of 48 years, Curt; her children: William, Elizabeth (Ralph) and Donald (Megan); her grandchildren: Peter, Ben, Colin and Loic; as well as her brother, sister and other relatives.
The family wishes to thank those who gave so much of their time and energy to help Dawn in time of need including her many friends and the those from Agrace Hospice who made sure she was comfortable. A special thanks to the outstanding staff at Renaissance Senior Living, a place where Dawn truly felt at home for two years.
No formal memorial service will be held. A celebration of Dawn's life will be held at a later date.
