It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of Dawn Marie Dempsey, at the young age of 42. Dawn passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. Born in Amherst, NS, she was a daughter of Brenda (McLellan) Mawdsley and chosen father Fred Henwood. Dawn was full of energy, a true spitfire; she loved everyone, and everyone loved her. She never had a problem putting anyone in their place and sharing her true feelings. She worked for the town of Amherst as Secretary for many years. She loved time with friends and family, traveling around in their Side by Side "Riggy Diggy", and dancing to her country music. In addition to her loving parents, she will be dearly missed by her husband Kevin, Amherst; her daughter Ashlee, at home. Dawn was a special mom to all of Ashlee's friends who loved to visit their home. Her sister Alisha Keiver, Amherst; chosen brother and sister Paul (Vanessa) Henwood, Bridgewater, NS and Dawn Henwood (Kevin Casey), Lower Cove, NS; nephew Kody Little, Amherst; mother and father in law Dale and Linda Dempsey, Amherst; brother in law Derek Keiver, Amherst; paternal grandmother Eleanor Mawdsley, Lower Cove, NS; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, classmates and friends. She was predeceased by her sister in law Stacy Dempsey; Stacy and Kevin's grandparents Olive and Donald Arseneau; maternal grandparents Harold and Elizabeth McLellan; paternal grandfather, Cyril Mawdsley. Arrangements are under the care of the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS (902-667-8777), where visitation will take place on Thursday, August 1 from 6 to 9 pm, and Friday, August 2 from 6 to 9 pm. Dawn's funeral will be held Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 2 pm, with burial to follow in the Amherst Cemetery. In keeping with Dawn's lifestyle, we hope that all dress casual. Those wishing to donate in Dawn's memory may do so to the Kidney Foundation, the IWK, or the charity of your choice. Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Dawn's online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.