Dawn B. Mclaughlin

Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Dawn McLaughlin, passed peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on March 31, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She left behind a legacy of love and faith that we, her extended family, will forever admire and cherish.

On March 20, 1939, Dawn was born in beautiful Bloomington, Idaho to John and Velma Berrey. She adored living in the Bear Lake Valley in the early years of her life and spoke fondly of the many precious memories made in that special place. Even after her parents moved to Pocatello in 1942, she would go back every summer to spend time on her grandparents' farm. She especially loved her Grandma Stevens' scrumptious sugar cookies and farm fresh bread!

She adored her two younger brothers: John Brent Berrey (deceased) and Steven La Marr Berrey (West Jordan, UT). She spoke fondly of her memories of playing ball with them and playing in the dirt!

Dawn was a bright little girl who loved learning. In school, she was always the student who finished her work first. As a result, the teacher would often assign her to help the other students, grade papers, or read to a small group. She loved learning and teaching others and was always an honor student in each grade. In those early years she decided she would become a teacher and enrolled at ISU after high school graduation.

Dawn began her teaching career in 1961. She taught in many Pocatello schools including Lewis and Clark, Indian Hills, Chubbuck and Indian Hills Elementary. She was also a teacher and girls counselor at Hawthorn Jr. High. She later taught Adult Basic Education classes at ISU and absolutely loved her students there. She felt a glowing excitement during her 43 year career as a teacher while watching her students grow and learn. She truly was born to teach!

Dawn was an incredible singer and began singing solos at the age of four. As a ninth grader she started becoming serious about lessons and was often sought after to sing at various functions around town. As she got older she and group of friends formed a trio that became very popular in Pocatello. They were asked to sing at the Gold and Green Balls, LDS ward dinners, talent shows and even PTA meetings. The highlight of her singing days was when she was asked to record a solo to be sent off to the University of Colorado. She was offered a full ride scholarship and was very proud of this accomplishment!

Dawn loved the life that she was blessed with. She married Anthony McLaughlin (Tony) in 1968 and they were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 4, 1971. In August they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. To this joyful union was born Melissa Dawn (Houston, Tx) and Anthony Mark.(deceased) She was further blessed with nine grandchildren who all absolutely adore her.

She has been very active in several Pocatello organizations over the last few years and even up to the very last weeks of her life. These include Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Les Salon Litteraires Book Club, Retired Teachers Association, and the Linus Project. An organization that was near and dear to her heart was the Feeding the 5000 Families Group. She has been chair of that organization and for the last 10 years has organized the kick-off concert. She treasured her friendship with many people of different faiths through this organization and spoke lovingly about her work with them.

Dawn loved and treasured her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She faithfully served in various callings throughout her life and attended the temple as often as she could. She was often labelled the "best dressed" wherever she went and even made efforts to look her best when she wasn't feeling well in her last few months. No matter what, she wore a smile, a kind word and a love for mankind. She believed in the goodness of everyone!

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Dr. Francisco and his staff at the Portnuef Cancer Center. Their care and compassion over the many years did not go un-noticed and we are grateful for them. We are also very appreciative of Encompass Hospice and the attention they gave to Dawn in such a kind way.

Dawn is survived by her husband, Anthony Francis McLaughlin (Tony) of Pocatello Idaho, her daughter Melissa Craner (Mark) of Katy, Texas, her daughter in law Amy McLaughlin of Provo, Utah, and her brother Steve LaMarr Berrey (Mary) of West Jordan, Utah. Her nine grandchildren, Elder Jonathan Craner of the Santiago Chile North mission, Spencer, Austin and Rachael Craner, as well as Emily, Abby, Jane, William and James McLaughlin. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Velma Berrey, her brother John Brent Berrey, and her loving son, Anthony Mark McLaughlin. What a joyful reunion there was in Heaven.

There will be a viewing at the Wilks Funeral home on Friday, April 6 from 6-8pm (211 West Chubbuck Road). On Saturday, April 7 there will be a viewing at 10am followed by a celebration of Dawn's life at the LDS chapel located at 2925 Michelle St. in Pocatello, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Idaho Food Bank in Pocatello, Idaho.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.