Dawn Elaine McKnight

Dawn (McAlpine) Trembley McKnight, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on January 5, 2026, in La Conner, Washington. She was born on October 4, 1932, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to Floreine Strausen and George McAlpine.

Dawn cherished her early years in Cottage Grove, fondly recalling stories of her beloved Grandma Grace, life on the family's ranch and in their hotel, and the many friends she made there. At age ten, she moved to Seattle to join her mother, stepfather George Trembley, and sister Judy. She grew up in Madison Park and was proud to be named Miss Madison Park during the 1940 Seattle Seafair celebration.

A graduate of Garfield High School, Dawn attended the University of Washington, where she studied theatre and drama and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. It was during these years that she met Richard McKnight, a fellow Garfield alum. The two married, settled in Madison Park and later moved to Sunnyvale, California, where they raised three sons: Shannon, Brian, and Scott.

After the couple separated, Dawn returned to Bellevue to be closer to family and to raise her boys. Dawn was a fiercely devoted mother who cheered loudly from the sidelines and opened her home and heart to her sons' friends. She was employed for 28 years at Overlake Medical Center, where she was admired for her work ethic, kindness, and dry sense of humor.

Dawn loved the outdoors and found joy in the simple beauty of nature. She was an avid reader, favoring the works of Louis L'Amour and Tony Hillerman, and nurtured a lifelong affection for the desert Southwest. She collected rocks and agates and delighted in the hunt for natural treasures. A passionate fisherman, she spent countless happy days fishing with her stepfather and sons at Sekiu and in the San Juan Islands. Her adventurous spirit never faded?she proudly landed her last salmon at age 92 with her son Scott near Eagle Point in the San Juans.

Dawn is survived by her sons Shannon, Brian, and Scott (Kelly); her grandchildren Robert (Allison), Christopher (Tara), Galen (Kasey), Kyle (Raelyn), Katherine (Jake), and Jessica (Jeff); and nine great-grandchildren who brought her joy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judy.

Dawn will be inurned at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, and a private family gathering will be held in her honor.

Dawn will be remembered for her stories, her laughter, her fierce love of her boys, and her indomitable spirit. She lived her life with grit, curiosity, and a twinkle in her eye ? and we will carry her memory with us always.