Memorial Fund For School Honors Popular Teacher Who Died Suddenly

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – A memorial fund has been established for Richey Elementary School in honor of a popular teacher who died suddenly on April 4.

Dawn Marie Knowles of Holiday was 49 years old when she died after a short illness.

She taught at Richey Elementary School in New Port Richey for 18 years where she was equally loved by staff and students, said fellow teacher Dana Levy.

“She will be missed not only by her friends and family but by the thousands she touched as a great teacher,” said Levy.

Known for her perpetual smile and innate love of life, she enjoyed baking in her spare time and often shared her culinary creations with co-workers and donated them to fundraising events.

She is survived by her husband, Michael; sons, Christopher and Allen; parents, Gary and Carlene (Schweitzer) Courtney; and siblings, Michele Wasson (Courtney) and Gary Courtney.

Services took place Saturday, April 7, at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, 4910 Bartelt Road, Holiday.

In her honor, friends and fellow teachers have established the Dawn Knowles Memorial Fund. Donations can be sent to Richey School, 6850 Adams St., New Port Richey, FL 35652.

Image via Pasco County School District