information from www.https://www.dawnleverett.com

Dawn Leverett, a beloved member of the West Seattle community known for her vibrant spirit, deep connections, and courageous journey with illness, passed away on May 3rd at her home in West Seattle, surrounded by family, friends, and her cherished terrier, Milo. She was 57 years old. Dawn’s passing followed a courageous journey with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disorder.

Born in San Angelo, Texas, Dawn grew up in Grand Prairie, where she was raised by a loving extended family. Described as kind, adventurous, and deeply empathetic, she formed lasting bonds early in life, including with her cousins Carla and Cori, who became like sisters. Dawn was a spirited and involved student, participating in Girl Scouts, piano, dance, and her church youth group. She earned the DAR Citizenship Award, was elected student council president, and in 1988, held the title of Miss Grand Prairie.

Professionally, Dawn led two vibrant careers. For 14 years, she was at American Airlines serving as a flight attendant, instructor, and leader. She loved the pace and purpose of flying, particularly working the front of the plane, and relished the opportunity to travel the world and form lifelong friendships. This time helped her develop key skills like people skills, resilience, and grace under pressure, for which she received many awards. It was also at American Airlines that she met many of her dearest friends, including her best friend of 35 years, Danny Perez.

Following her career in aviation, Dawn transitioned into real estate, where she thrived as a respected and successful broker for over two decades. She worked first with Windermere in the West Seattle Junction and later at Ensemble. She cherished the rhythm and variation of real estate work, noting that "every day was a new day and a new opportunity". Her passion was fueled by the value she felt in being both a guide and protector, taking pride in helping people find the right home. She loved that real estate allowed her to define her own version of success.

Beyond her professional life, Dawn was known for her exceptional generosity, giving freely of her time, energy, and resources because it was simply part of who she was, not for recognition. She was deeply engaged with the community through organizations including the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, ArtsWest (where she was a longtime board member, board chair, and recipient of the Alhadeff-Consguard Volunteer Award), the Westside Professionals BNI Chapter (which she founded), and the Center for Active Living. Her significant contributions were also recognized with the West Seattle Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award. In her personal time, Sunday afternoons were reserved for her "Sit and Cackle" social clutch.

Dawn lived with unmistakable style, deep integrity, and a demonstrated love for beauty, nature, and connection. Her travels took her all over the world, and she delighted in visiting new places. Just last September, 18 friends joined her on a cruise to Alaska, leaving a significant impact on the small ship. Life in the Pacific Northwest inspired her to become an outdoors enthusiast, embracing cycling, golfing, scooting, running, paddleboarding, and exploring the region. She savored good food and good company, famous for her dinner parties, Pride celebrations, and impeccable taste. She often shared her philosophy that "Life was too short to drink bad wine or bad coffee".

Commitment was important to Dawn, and when she loved, she did so "big — with her whole heart". Her capacity for connection was profound, and she brought intentionality and grace to every relationship. She was loyal, quick-witted, and always supportive of others during hard times. Dawn possessed a gift for making people feel seen and accepted, and her sense of humor and compassion remained with her, even during the challenging stages of her illness. She continued to love laughing, playing Skip-Bo, and maintaining the perfect "buzz". She also had an immense love for dogs, with Milo and Maddie holding special places in her heart. She once took selfies with 92 different dogs but stopped out of loyalty to Milo, whom she considered the last and best.

Dawn faced her MSA diagnosis with extraordinary courage, refusing to be a victim or let the illness define her. Instead, she became even more intentional, turning anxiety into purpose and limitation into clarity. Even as her body failed, she continued to live with elegance, presence, and joy, never stopping her concern for the comfort of those around her. She transformed the lives of those who loved her not only in how she lived but also in how she chose to let go.

She is survived by her parents, Jean Wilson Meyer (Jim Meyer) and Gary Leverett (Tanya Leverett); her extended family Mike Meyer (Nancy), Lisa Meyer, Lynda Leverett, June Leverett, Dan Carey, June and Glenn Zauber, Carla Brand (Barry), Cori Dossett; her chosen framily; and her beloved companion, Milo. Dawn believed that life was best lived with "a good book, a warm dog, and a full table," a truth she lived every day.

Friends, family, and community members are invited to join in a celebration of Dawn’s life and legacy on May 18th, 2025, at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. Due to the significant impact Dawn had on her many communities, guests are kindly requested to indicate their intention to attend by confirming at this link.

RSVP to A Toast to a Life Well Lived 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests donations to ArtsWest in her honor, reflecting her passion for local art and performance as a patron, benefactor, board member, and director, and an extension of her dream to be a performer. Donations may also be made to MSA Mission to support efforts to raise awareness and improve the lives of patients living with the rare neurodegenerative disorder that ended Dawn’s life.