Obituary: Dawn Elaine Moore, 78, The Dalles

Dawn Elaine Moore was born on September 24, 1948, in McMinnville, Oregon, to Vern and Florence Markee. Dawn’s family moved to Portland, Oregon, and then to Goldendale, Washington, where she met the love of her life, Tom, in December of 1965. Tom and Dawn were married on July 2, 1966.

Dawn set out on a big adventure, flying to Germany alone to be with Tom while he served in the US Army and was stationed in Würzburg. During the two years they were in Germany, a daughter was born, Wendy Lee. When Tom completed his service, they returned to The Dalles and purchased their first home. In 1970, a son, Michael Edward, was born, and their little family was complete.

Dawn was able to stay at home with Mike and Wendy while keeping the books for their property management company. When Wendy graduated high school, Tom, Dawn, and Mike moved to Joseph, Oregon, to ranch for Tom’s Uncle Frank. Dawn saw a need for a clothing store in the community, and with that, Dawn’s Dud’s was born. You could see Dawn loved being her own boss and making a difference in her community.

Tom and Dawn eventually moved back to The Dalles, where they managed Beaverton Lodge in Beaverton, Oregon. They were home in The Dalles for half a week, giving Dawn time to work in her yard and tend to her garden. She really enjoyed having a nice yard just like her father.

Tom and Dawn didn’t retire well, and they both went to work for the school district. Dawn worked as a lunch lady and enjoyed visiting with the school kids every day.

Dawn was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She will be dearly missed. Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Florence Markee, sister Beverly, and sister Dianne. Dawn is survived by her brother Tom, sister Yvonne, husband of 60 years, Tom, daughter Wendy (Richard) Perecz, and son Mike (Alaina) Moore. Grandkids: Johnny, Luke, Jeremy, Justin, and Mallory. Great-grandkids: Amaia, Aidan, Devin, Asher, Asuna, Asura, Oakley, and one on the way.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Celebration of life for Dawn will be held at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon 97031) at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, with a reception to follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com