Obituary of Rae Dawkins

Rae Dawkins passed away peacefully in Fredericton on June 30, 2024 after a brief illness. She was born on December 18, 1932 in Norton, New Brunswick, to Muriel and Herbert Lakes.

 

She leaves three daughters, Donna Dawkins of Fredericton, Jennifer Dawkins of Toronto (Richard) and Lorraine Floody (Brian) also of Toronto, one daughter-in-law, Helen McKinnon of Ballarat, Australia. Also mourning her loss are five grandchildren, Sarah Pacey (Steve) of Florenceville, Simon Pacey (Holly) of Fredericton, Dylan Floody (Pepi), Claire Floody (Max) of Toronto and, Shannon Dawkins of Ballarat, Australia. Also left behind are great grandchildren, Marigold and Desmond Pacey of Fredericton. Rae is survived by her brother Eric Lakes (Katie) and sisters-in-law, Cathy Giles of Fredericton, and Gloria Dawkins of Brockway, New Brunswick. Rae was predeceased by her husband, Clair, often called Dawk, and her son, Daniel.

 

She was a wonderful mother and role model, and her family came first in her life. She was a talented seamstress and needle worker, and the family was always decked out in original and interesting outfits often created from hand me downs. She remained a fashionista until the end, and local charity shops will see a surge in revenue this month as all of her clothing has been donated. As kids we also remember delicious suppers she created with a box of Kraft Dinner, four hot dogs and a can of peas. Her houses were beautifully decorated with items that she herself had crafted and furniture that she refinished.

 

Her interest in decorating and houses led to a very successful 25 year career in real estate in Fredericton. Of particular interest were heritage houses, and mom and dad bought and restored four heritage homes and furnished them with antiques from auctions they attended all over the Maritimes.

 

Beyond her real estate interests mom was at the command centre for Dawkins activity. She knew our schedules, where we were travelling, and what we were doing, and she conveyed that information to all family members. She was the glue that held the family together.

 

Mom lived life to the fullest and relished in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and encouraged them at every opportunity. She loved to host large family events and celebrations at the victorian house on Saint John Street, the Loyalist house at Scotchtown, Grand Lake and at the manse on the Richibuctou River at Rexton. She enjoyed travelling with dad and they particularly loved to be off the beaten track, whether it was rural New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Tasmania, England or driving coast to coast in the United States.

 

At mom’s request there will be no visitation or funeral service. She wanted to keep things simple and requested that her ashes be spread in her favourite places. She will be forever in our hearts. For those who wish donations in Rae's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.