Dawn Joyce (Harrison) Long

Dawn Joyce Long
February 14, 1946 - June 1, 2025

Born Dawn Joyce Harrison, Dawn grew up in New Jersey, she often spoke of playing outside, and climbing trees. She spoke of the lady slipper orchid that grew wild in the woods, as she loved her flowers. She was the daughter to Bruce and Marion Harrison and beloved older sister to Steve, Doris, Bryan, Cherith and Ian. She lived an entire lifetime before she met her husband, William Struse and moved to Tucson where she had their children, Bill (Winnie), Jared (Susan), Daniel (Dawn), Cherith (Dean). Not too many years later, Dawn and William moved to Washington where they cultivated an apple orchard and William had a successful medical practice. Dawn fixed up an old farmhouse and they had many enjoyable memories and friends that have lasted another lifetime.

When William passed away, she moved to Denver, CO for a few years before the desert called her back. Another lifetime later, Dawn married Donald Long and they started American Septic in Sierra Vista, AZ. Dawn became a respected expert in the field. Dawn loved every moment raising her children and when she started getting grandchildren, she said that was even better. She loved each one beyond measure, Maranatha, Hope, Zach, Nathaniel, Faith, Jordanne, Hannah, Zane, Krystal, Jake, Grace, Jesse, Maggie, Noah, Sydney, Zach, and Amanda.

After Dawn was diagnosed with Cancer, she outlived her life expectancy several times over. Dawn did not fight the cancer, she lived. All Dawn ever wanted was to get married and have children. That was her dream, and she now has generations that will live on because of her care and love. Dawn left this world and moved on to heaven with 12 great grandchildren and another on the way.

Dawn loved to receive flowers, but she loved giving them away more. So make someone's day, give them a flower, take them lunch, give a little something from the farmers market, or just spend a moment of your time with them like Dawn would have done.

Krystal, Dawns granddaughter walked lovingly alongside her grandmother each day and cared for her. Bill and Winnie took care of our mother with love and sweet determination since her diagnosis, and she was able to live the way she wanted as she journeyed to heaven. There are no words that can properly express our gratitude to our brother Bill and Winnie for the love and care they showed and gave our mother. While Our mother was living with Bill and Winnie she was surrounded by love, life, and living every day.

Dawn's private burial will be held for immediate family. To honor the wonderful memory of Dawn, we warmly invite you to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 14th at 11 a.m. First Baptist Church, 1447 S 7th St Sierra Vista, AZ. A reception afterward will follow.

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