Her given name suggested the notion of illumination and hope, the beginning of a new day and thus a chance for happiness and improvement.
That, said Dawn Cristina’s daughter Geraldine, was the essence of the woman who was born Dawn May Finlayson, the second child of Walter and Edna Finlayson and sister to Barry, Rodney, Marcy and Loreen.
She grew up in the Birkdale/Wynuum area but spent most of her life in Stanthorpe.
She met Salvatore Christina – Sam – on a train in 1956, and to hear the story they were starstruck from the moment their eyes met across the carriage; destined to marry, have children and live out their lives together until her passing at the age of 83.
They married in 1961, five years after they met, and moved to a farm at Dalcouth east of Stanthorpe where they welcomed children Carmela, Virginia and Madeleine before opening the Highway Store, which became a well known landmark in High Street and still retains its identity from those days even though its use has changed over the years. Their final child Geraldine was born after the move to the shop.
In this era of her life, Dawn juggled being a mother to four daughters, running the shop and being part of the CWA and the International Club where she took on various roles. As part of her work with the CWA she helped people in the Solomon Islands by sending over material so they could learn to sew.
Her involvement in the community ranged from baking sponge cakes for the show to singing at weddings.
Over the years at The Highway Store, many friendships were made and many young people got their start in working life. The shop became a community hub for people to drop in to say hello.
Dawn’s 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren were the joy of her life.
But it wasn’t always an easy life. In 1990 Dawn had a heart attack and over the following 30 years she had many health issues.
Dawn and Sam were married for 62 years. They would renew their vows to each other on their anniversary, singing “Forever and ever” to one another.
Dawn was farewelled by family and friends at the St Joseph’s Catholic Church. Her eulogy, written by her daughter Geraldine, was read by Connie Ragonesi.
Anyone who would like to give to a cause in memory of Dawn can make a donation to Stanthorpe Cancer Support through Debbie Wilmot at Gracious Giving. The group is raising funds for a palliative care bed.
