Dawn Elizabeth Alouf, age 61, of Galax, VA, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the University Of North Carolina Medical Center. Dawn was born in Detroit, MI, on January 21, 1963, to William and Suzanne Cheriez Snyder. She is survived by her husband, Jim Alouf of Galax, VA; sons and daughters-in-law Scott and Lesley Alouf of Richmond, VA and Jonathon and Taylor Alouf of Chesapeake, VA.  Dawn was an amazing Gigi to her three grandchildren Collins & Campbell Alouf and Parker Alouf.  She loved her brother and sister-in- laws Laurie Alouf, Mark and Crystal Alouf, Mike Alouf and Heidi Pommer, Chris and Hollie Alouf, and Lisa Dellinger; her nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Gail Alouf and many special friends.  She was predeceased by her parents.

She met the love of her life when she was 15 years old. Five years later on June 25, 1983, Dawn and Jim confirmed their love for each other at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church in Roanoke, VA. Dawn shared 46 years of love and happiness with her best friend and soulmate. She loved her sons with all her heart and was a devoted mom who supported her sons throughout their years of sports and activities.  She was their number one fan on and off the field. She took great pride in her sons' beautiful families and considered their wives as "her" daughters. She cherished her three beautiful grandchildren and enjoyed making memories with them.

Dawn's love extended beyond her family, and she built incredible relationships with many friends. She was known to fill a room with laughter and to bring joy to any event she attended. She loved sharing a glass of wine and stories with all her friends.

Dawn was a loving and faithful employee of the Galax Recreation Center afterschool and summer activity programs where she was known as "Mrs. Dawn" to the children she loved and cared for.  She was the biggest "life" cheerleader a child could have, providing a shoulder to cry on and arms of love. Her legacy and love for the program and children left a mark that will never go away.

Dawn courageously battled breast cancer for 8 years. She was extremely passionate about helping others touched by this disease. She loved sharing her story and encouraged optimism. Her resilience and positivity were a source of inspiration to many.  The family would like to thank the caregivers at the University Of North Carolina Medical Center. Dawn participated in many research and clinical trials that she hoped would lead to advancements in the cure of breast cancer.

A celebration of Dawn's life and visitation with the family will take place at the Galax Recreation Center upper gym at 601 S. Main Street, Galax, VA, at 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. on July 20th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Breast Cancer Research foundation at give.bcrf.org.