Dawn Marie Bouwman

Many people go through life simply being alive, without ever experiencing its fullness and joy. Dawn Marie Bouwman was a woman full of life, who put her heart and soul into everything she did. Through work and play, hardship and illness, Dawn never lost sight of the things that truly mattered. Dawn will be remembered for her greatest gift: a heart that never emptied of love for everyone in her life. She was a constant source of love, comfort and hope for so many others, a gift none of them will ever forget. The mid 1960s marked a shift from the idyllic innocence of the previous decade into a slow burn of social unrest. Protest movements were at the forefront of discussion as more and more U.S. troops headed for Vietnam. Despite the looming problems within the American society, it was still the golden age of drive-in theaters and the Beatles owned the top of the pop charts. Dawn Marie Bouwman entered these changing times on February 12, 1966, in the city of Muskegon, Michigan. She was the oldest of two children born to Daniel and Marsha (Martin) Bouwman. Her brother, Paul, was two years younger than her, but they were always close. Dawn enjoyed a typical childhood of the times, growing up on the east side of Muskegon. Her parents both worked to support their family her father was a machinist at Misco while her mother was a Special Education Instructional Assistant. Unfortunately, Dawns parents divorced when she was young, and she spent most of her childhood living with her mom. During these difficult times, Dawn could always count on the love and comfort of her Grandma and Grandpa Martin, who spoiled her. She often paid this love forward as she would bring stray animals home that wandered the neighborhood. Dawn had many happy childhood memories to look back on, including family trips to Disneyland and the Badlands, and all the great friends she hung out with in the neighborhood. For education, Dawn attended Oakview Elementary, Steele Jr. High and Muskegon High School. During her 4 years in high school, she made lifelong friends with Julie Jurkas, Ann Wildfong and Russ Gerencer. In fact, she and Russ dated for quite a while and even thought about marriage, but decided to remain good friends. After graduating from Muskegon High in 1984, Dawn enrolled in cosmetology school and took classes at Baker College, where she eventually earned a degree as a Medical Billing Specialist. Dawn was currently working as an Insurance Billing Specialist at Pro-Med Ambulance Service and as a party planner at Chuck E. Cheese. However, it wasnt unusual for her to hold down two jobs at a time, some of which included Sherman Bowling Lanes, R Trucking, Walgreens and the Port City Princess. Dawn was a very independent person, who lived life on her terms. Over the years, she lived on and off with her mom, as well as with friends and relatives, and also spent a few years living in Arizona before returning to Muskegon. In 1998, Dawns life took a new direction when she welcomed the birth of her son, Levi, on September 29, 1998. Levi became the focus of Dawns life, and she was very devoted to her son. She worked hard to provide for him, and had the wonderful support of her family to help raise him too. Since childhood, Dawn and her brother Paul fostered a close relationship, which later extended on to his wife, Barb, and son, Drue. Dawn and Levi spent many weekends at the Thunderbird Raceway, cheering on Uncle Paul, who raced stock cars. Being surrounded by family was what Dawn needed when she found out she had breast cancer, shortly after Levi was born. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments, all the while maintaining a positive attitude. Her valiant fight was rewarded with 5 years of being cancer free. Although Dawns scare was over, the family suffered another great loss when her brother Paul was tragically killed in an explosion in 2005. Despite being heartbroken, Dawn turned her focus to helping Barb and Drue in whatever way she could. In turn, their relationship grew even closer. But that was Dawn she was a selfless and giving person who never passed up another in need. It was around this time that Dawn found out her cancer had returned, and she began treatments again. With the constant support and love of her family, Dawn faced her fight head on, and with fierce determination. She and Levi moved back home with her mom, and although Dawn had her good and bad days, she continued to work as long as possible. Her moms house had many pets that Dawn could love on, and she enjoyed designing jewelry in her spare time. With the generosity of Memories of Love Foundation, Dawn and her family were able to take an unforgettable trip to Florida in 2010, enjoying fun filled days at Disney World and other parks in Orlando. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Memories of Love. This trip will be remembered and memories treasured forever. Dawn Bouwman was a vibrant and energetic soul with boundless love for her family. She will be greatly missed. Dawn M. Bouwman (Levi's mom, Paulie's sister, Drue's aunt Da), age 45, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, February 17, 2011, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her son, Levi Paul; mother, Marsha Bouwman; grandmother, Anna Marie Bouwman; sister-in-law, Barbara (Brian) Bouwman-Crane; nephew, Drue Bouwman; several aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends, Julie Jurkas, Ann Wildfong and Russ Gerencer. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Bouwman; father, Daniel Bouwman; grandparents, Paul & Nina Martin; and grandfather, William Bouwman. Services will be on Sunday, February 20, at 2:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Pastor Ronald Worley officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 19, from 1-3 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to State Farm Mutual Fund - Levi Bouwman, American Cancer Society or Memories of Love. Please visit Dawns personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.