Dawna Lee (Dee) Peters passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 13, 2025, after a 5-year battle with ALS. She was ready to speak and walk again in heaven. Dawna is survived by her twin sister, Janna Peters, her father, Virgil Peters, and siblings Tim Peters, Jerilee Avery, and Mark Peters.

Dawna and her twin sister, Janna, were born to native Amis parents in a midwife home close to Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien, Taiwan. They were nurtured and cared for several months at the hospital, after which they were placed in a Christian orphanage. Dawna and her sister, Janna, were adopted at 7 months old by Virgil and Jennie Peters who returned with them to Mt. Angel, Oregon. Dawna and Janna had the opportunity to visit Taiwan and learn about their heritage during their youth.

In early adolescence, Dawna was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and, despite the challenges that the diagnosis brought, her friends and family were proud of the grace and strength with which she weathered every obstacle she faced. Dawna went on to graduate from high school and attend Ecola Bible College (Cannon Beach, OR) and Columbia Bible School (B.C., Canada). During her academic endeavors, Dawna blossomed both spiritually and as an individual and even had an opportunity to serve with her church community in Nova Scotia.

Upon settling into her career, Dawna worked in the Dietary Department of the Benedictine Nursing Home for 18 years. She made many connections during this time and was loved by the residents for her commitment and compassion.

While Dawna ultimately had to leave behind her full-time work as her disability progressed, she remained active as a homemaker and was very close with her family. Her 7 nieces and nephews remember her fondly as a committed writer of poetry and prose, an empathetic friend, and a joyful presence in their lives. Dawna had a strong faith in spite of her physical challenges and will be remembered for her empathy for others and love of Jesus.

Please join us to celebrate Dawna's life. There will be a viewing from 3pm to 5pm, at Unger Funeral Chapel (190 Railroad Ave, Mt. Angel, OR 97362) and a memorial service at 11am on February 1st at Calvary Mennonite Church (6711 S. Lone Elder Rd. Aurora, OR 97002).