WICKENDEN (Currie), Dawn Elizabeth
January 7, 2012
Dawn died peacefully on January 7, 2012 in the Saanich Peninsula Hospital after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was 57 years old. “Prairie Dawn” was a passionate learner and teacher. She received her elementary education in the one-room Bay Coulee and Orkney rural schools near her home on the Currie family farm. She graduated from Three Hills High School in 1971. Dawn attended Henderson’s Business College in Calgary and worked for the Kneehill County in Three Hills before entering Mount Royal College and later the University of Calgary. Dawn followed her interest in drama and graduated from the U of C with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) in 1978, returning soon after to complete U of C Professional Diploma Program in Education. Dawn taught elementary school with the Calgary Board of Education for almost twenty-five years. The Alberta Teachers’ Association awarded Dawn a lifetime membership in recognition of her years of service to the teaching profession and to the welfare of youth. In 2004, Dawn moved to Vancouver Island. She worked at the Shoal Centre and the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, and for the Ministry of Transportation in Victoria. She became active in the Sidney fibre arts community, especially the Wednesday Night Knitting Group. Dawn is survived by her husband, Rodger Wickenden, sisters Shelley Currie (Roger Mah Poy) and Beverley Currie (David Wood), nephews Peter, Christopher, Robin and Timothy, step-daughter Tawna, Aunts Norma West, Nora Nobes and Brenda Nobes, and sister-in-law Paula. She was predeceased by her parents, Bette and Elmer Currie. There will be no funeral service at Dawn’s request. A celebration of Dawn’s life will be held between 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 6th, 2012, at the Bill Warren Centre - Canmore Nordic Centre, Canmore, AB. Donations in Dawn’s memory can be made to Wagonstage Children’s Theatre (https://netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/SSPage.aspx?pid=2122&frcrld=1), or a children’s literacy or performing arts organization of your choice.