Dawn (Barkhouse) Russell

Dawn (Barkhouse) Russell, 68, passed away at home on April 22, 2023. Born in Kentville and raised in New Ross, she called the North Mountain near Centreville home for over 40 years. She was predeceased by her brother Jimmy in 2002, her father Ronald in 2014, and her brother Robert in 2020. She is survived by her daughter, Emily (Jonathan) Fawcett of St. John’s; son, Eric (Rachel) of Ottawa; beloved grandson, Heath of Ottawa; sister, Lesley (Phil) Pynn; mother, Eleanor (Grant) Barkhouse; both of Halifax; several nieces and nephews; and dear friend Vanessa Wotherspoon, of Wolfville.

Dawn held a B.A. in History from Acadia University (‘77). She was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces from 1976 to 2011, and was a Captain of the West Nova Scotia Regiment at Aldershot, N.S. She served as Finance Officer for many years and was entrusted with the role of harassment investigator across the Brigade. She also held various jobs over the years, including those of Commissionaire, real estate agent, and chairwoman of the Residential Tenancies Board.

Dawn was a passionate volunteer at Ross Farm Museum (where her father was the founding president and where she was a member of the Board of Directors), Kings County’s Burial Grounds Care Society, the New Ross Historical Society, a local animal shelter, and other organizations. She was an avid animal lover, having rescued and fostered many cats and dogs. She was an enthusiastic snowmobiler on the North Mountain and in the Annapolis Valley. She loved camping and reading. She is missed dearly by family and friends.

The family would like to thank neighbours, friends, and long-time family physician Dr. Gunn, for their compassion, kindness, and support during Dawn’s time of need.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 1:00 p.m. in the White Family Funeral Home, 100 Cornwallis Street, Kentville. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dawn may be made to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. To leave online condolences, please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.