Dawn Beeler Marges

Born in Royal Oak, Michigan on August 16, 1939, Dawn was the oldest of four children born to Lawrence (Jack) and Evelyn Beeler. Growing up in Clawson, Michigan, a community she visited regularly for the rest of her life, Dawn graduated as Valedictorian from Clawson High School at the age of 16 and completed her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University two years later.

Upon graduation, Dawn began her professional career in Early Childhood Education as an elementary school teacher. After moving to Salem in 1967, she helped run a cooperative pre-k and kindergarten (Happy Time), where she formed friendships with other parents who shared her commitment to community, and supported each other for the rest of their lives. Dawn then became the director of the Early Childhood Education Program at Chemeketa Community College. In this role, she oversaw the academic program as well as the campus child care center. Toward the end of her career, the Governor appointed Dawn to work with businesses across the state of Oregon to establish child care in the workplace.

Dawn was civic-minded and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. While at Chemeketa, she envisioned, lobbied for, and created a Welfare to Work program that helped parents who had not graduated from high school. She spearheaded legislation to help support Oregon State Parks, Silver Creek Falls in particular. She lobbied for the Oregon Bottle Bill, and once that passed, she did the same in her home state of Michigan. These are just a few examples of a long list of her accomplishments and the vast community impact that she made.

While Dawn’s impressive advocacy had a lasting impact in her career and in her community, her greatest joy was found in spending time with her family. She was a classic "mama bear," always ready to protect her cubs. Dawn loved the outdoors as well. She liked to raft the John Day River, hike on the myriad mountains and trails in Oregon and California, and cultivate beautiful flowers in her yard. In 1981 she married Ed Marges, the love of her life and her north star. They raised a family forged in love and were utterly committed to one another. As Alzheimer’s took away Dawn’s abilities, Ed stayed by her side every day, literally and figuratively, helping to ensure her comfort in an impossible situation.

Dawn was smart and strong, both physically and mentally. She was a friend and a mentor. She reminded us to have empathy, to understand the perspectives of others, to do what is right, and to stay true to one’s values. She left a Dawn-shaped mark on the hearts of so many that will be carried forward in the generations to come.

Dawn is survived by her husband Ed Marges; her children and their spouses: Laura Meyer and David Lorey, Lisa Meyer and Darren Ferris, Andrew and Rachael Marges, Christa and Dave Kaainoa, and Annie Marges and Patrick Maes; her siblings: Deanna Beeler and Alan Beeler; and her beloved grandchildren: Lee Alex Meyer-Lorey, Austin Meyer-Ferris, Kaeli Kaainoa, Robin Meyer-Lorey, Amare Kaainoa, Bodhi Kaainoa, Juniper Cushing, and Jude Maes. She is also survived by extended family and dear friends whom she loved deeply. She was preceded in death by her brother Lawrence (Bud) Scott Beeler.

Dawn would be honored if you would pause for a moment to remember her as you are taking a walk in nature, turning in your bottles and cans, canoeing or rafting on a river, talking with a friend, or spending time in the precious company of children.

The family would like to acknowledge the care and commitment of the staff at Battle Creek Memory Care, where Dawn lived for four months before returning home. They also want to thank Brighton Hospice for their exceptionally kind and compassionate care.

Please join us for a celebration of Dawn’s life on Saturday, October 21 at 2 pm in the Dye House at Mission Mill Museum, Salem, Oregon.