Dawn Ream Curtis

Hazel Dawn Ream Curtis was born in a farmhouse in Dingle, Idaho, November 9, 1925, during the Great Depression to Wesley and Mary Ream. Despite austere circumstances, Dawn felt she had a magical childhood filled with creativity, family, and a sense of adventure. Dawn died peacefully surrounded by her family on May 15, 2016.

Dawn worked her way through college attending Brigham Young University where she was selected as second attendant in BYU’s Snow Queen Competition. Dawn also earned a master’s degree from New York University and worked for several years in New York City as a buyer in retail merchandising.

In 1952, Dawn and her sister, Helen Bateman were the regional winners for an original recipe in the Pillsbury Bake Off.

Dawn married Jesse Duckworth (Dee) Curtis in the Salt Lake Temple in 1955. They resided in the Mt. Olympus Cove for over 55 years. She was a leader in church and civic affairs. Dawn faithfully served in many positions but most notably, she was Jr. Sunday School Coordinator of the Holladay 7th ward which was the “model” Junior Sunday School program for the church.

In 1976, Dawn was elected to the Granite School Board and served as the first female president of the board.

Dawn and Dee served LDS missions to Bermuda, The Mormon Trail Center at Winter’s Quarters and the Church Employment Center. Dawn was also a Hostess at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and was an active member in Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Dawn will be remembered as high-spirited, creative, resourceful, family-centered, patriotic, faith-filled and a huge BYU sports fan.

Dawn is survived by four children: Camille Foster (Tom), Kristie McLeod (Mark), John (Sue), Kitt (Jodie); 22 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and sister, Helen Bateman. Services will be held Friday, May 20, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Neff's Canyon Ward, 4176 Adonis Drive, Salt Lake City with a viewing one hour prior. There will also be a viewing on Thursday night from 6:00-8:00 pm at the same location. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Donations can be made at any Zions Bank to the "Dawn Curtis Donation Account”.

The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Hacking and Dr. Margi Bhatt for the extraordinary compassionate care they provided to their parents. They would also like to thank Lei and her family for their loving professional care during the past year.