Dawn Marie Dizon, 51, of Severna Park, died on March 16 following a long and courageous battle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Dawn was born in Chico, California and moved to Maryland in 1996.

Dawn received her bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from San Diego State University and MBA from Loyola Marymount University. She worked for many years as a project manager at Northrop Grumman before deciding to stay at home to raise her two daughters. Dawn was a very devoted Catholic who truly lived by the values of the church. It was her faith that allowed her to accept her condition, persevere through very difficult times, and inspire all who knew her. Dawn loved to listen to music, read, exercise, and watch movies and TV. She also enjoyed having company: always showing great interest and taking delight in whatever anyone - from nieces and nephews to grandparents, wanted to talk about.

Dawn was an incredibly devoted wife and mother. Along with her husband, what she loved the most were her two daughters who she often referred to as "her babies." She always wanted to be a mom and after their births, devoted her life to teaching them how they should live their own lives. Each in her own way has thrived, no doubt representing the best qualities and shining example set by their mother.

Dawn is survived by her loving husband Ed; daughters Michelle (19) and Christina (17); mother Genevieve Barry, brother Carl Barry, and sister Daphne Barry. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Barry Sr.

Viewing, mass and interment were privately held on Tuesday, March 19. Dawn was laid to rest at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dawn's name to the National Ataxia Foundation: http://www.ataxia.org/