Dawn Marie Douglas of Little Falls passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, Nov. 1, 2003, in Little Falls Hospital at the age of 38.

She was born on April 29, 1965, in Little Falls, a daughter of Paul and Barbara (Chuck) Klock, who reside in Little Falls. She was educated in West Canada schools, graduating with the high school "Class of 1983." She attended SUNY-Alfred and the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Massachusetts. On July 21, 1990, Dawn was married to James M. Douglas in the Christ Lutheran Church, Little Falls. Throughout their union, Dawn and Jim shared their lives and also a deep love and a true respect for one another. She was currently employed as a teacher assistant for pre-school at Benton Hall Academy, where she was a member of the Parent Teacher Association. She was of the Catholic faith.

Dawn was a fun-loving woman. She enjoyed her life and delighted in the many people who were such an important and meaningful part of her life, especially her family and students. A thorough professional, Dawn was an educator who truly loved her work. As she fulfilled the central purpose of her career, which was to assist and encourage learning, she strived to make the students events in the classroom creative and exciting. Although Dawn's teaching career was short, it was surely and effectively an inspiration to her students and co-workers. A loving and dedicated wife, mother, daughter and sister, she was a confidante to her loved ones and possessed a gentle concern, which was represented by her outgoing personality and the warmth of her smile. She enjoyed snowmobiling, camping and skiing.

She leaves her husband Jim of Little Falls; her parents, Paul and Barbara Klock of Little Falls; her maternal grandmother, Clara Chuck of Little Falls; a son, Tyler J. Douglas of Little Falls; and a daughter, Olivia Rose Douglas of Little Falls; three sisters, Donna Micozzi and husband Joe of New Hampshire, Denise Murphy and husband Paul of Quincy, Mass., Darlene Budzich and husband Joe of Buffalo; nieces and nephews, Jack and Marisa Micozzi, Gus and Ellie Murphy, Breanna Lynn Douglass, Jo Anna Douglas, Cole Douglas, Nathan Lamphere, Rachel Lamphere; in-laws, Edith Wastowicz and husband Walt, Mary Ann VanGorder and husband Luke, Gary Klock and wife Nancy, August Douglas and friend Janice Patterson, Richard Douglas and wife Lisa and Rose Lamphere and husband Warren. Also surviving are many cousins and several close and wonderful friends who meant the world to Dawn.

She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, August Douglas Jr.; mother-in-law, Doris Douglas; grandparents, Gus Chuck and Richard and Alice Klock.

Dawn's family will be present in the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, on Monday, Nov. 3, from 6-9 p.m. to receive relatives and friends.

Her funeral will commence at 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, from Holy Family Parish, corner of East Main and John streets, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Charles R. Celeste, pastor. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend. Procession will follow to Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills, where she will be laid to rest.

Contributions in honor of Dawn may be made to the Parent Teacher Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.