Dawn Saunders McBride

She was born Dawn Marie Saunders in Freeport, NY, Nassau County, Long Island. She grew up in nearby Baldwin with three older brothers. Their mother was a kind and gentle person, but the children all suffered physical and emotional abuse from the father. When the three brothers had left, Dawn looked after her own safety by completing high school at age sixteen and then leaving for Florida. When she came back north, it was to Upstate New York, and then in her early thirties she came to the Carrboro/Pittsboro, NC area. She was drawn here by two things: bluegrass music, and the chance to study therapeutic massage. Dawn became a licensed professional, a practice she maintained for more than twenty-five years. Through her work, her hobbies and her life, she came to know many families and generations of families in Chatham County and in Pittsboro. She volunteered at the Council on Aging, at Hospice of Chatham County, at therapeutic horseback riding, at Shakori Hills, and elsewhere. She had a strong and exemplary sense of community. Her passion for animals included horses, dogs, guinea pigs and chickens, and her other enthusiasms included hiking, camping, the occasional motorcycle ride, and lots of live music events. She was friends with and supportive of very many singers, songwriters, and musicians.

Dawn is survived by her loving husband Dennis J. McBride, from their wedding at Shakori Hills in October of 2023, and by her brothers William Saunders (Judy), Philadelphia, PA and Steven Saunders (Xiomara), Cali, Colombia, South America. She was predeceased by her brother Paul Saunders. Dawn adopted many elements from Buddhist philosophy and believed in a Great Beyond. Thus, she accepted her destiny clear eyed, bravely, and with grace. She was in the presence of loved ones when she died peacefully at home in hospice. She will have a natural burial at Heartward Sanctuary, Siler City, NC, and then a by-invitation Celebration of Life will be held in seven to eight weeks.  

Friends wishing to make a gift are encouraged to make a donation in memory of her to CORA Food Pantry – Pittsboro (Chatham Outreach Alliance), Collie Rescue of the Carolinas, The American Civil Liberties Union, or Planned Parenthood.