Dawn Nichols Frazer

Dawn Ivy Nichols was born in Laconia, New Hampshire, on August 14, 1941. She grew up loving music and outdoor adventure.

At the age of 13, she placed third in the junior girls’ archery division at the U.S. National Tournament, while holding the title of girls’ junior archery champion for both New Hampshire and New England. 

In 1961, while attending the University of New Hampshire, Dawn met the love of her life, Phil Frazer. After graduating from UNH in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, she and Phil were married on June 30 of that year at the First Baptist Church of Hanover, in the village of Etna, New Hampshire. She and Phil spent the next 62 years of their lives together in Fife, Washington, where they built a home and raised two daughters.

Dawn loved the Lord and was active in the church in various ways including teaching Sunday School, playing the piano, singing in the choir, and teaching, directing, and playing in handbell choirs. 

Dawn grew and bred prize-winning orchids and enjoyed outdoor activities including hiking, birdwatching, bicycling, fishing, and kayaking. Dawn also enjoyed spending time with her family, including her daughters, two adored grandsons, and her extended family spread across the country. 

On June 11, 2026, after a full and rewarding life, Dawn went to be with her Heavenly Father, passing away at home from advanced dementia. Her loving husband, Phil, was at her side. 

Dawn is survived by her husband, Philip Frazer, her two daughters Carolyn Whyte and Rebecca Lagerquist, her son-in-law, John Lagerquist, and her two grandsons, Stephen Lagerquist and Micah Lagerquist. 

A memorial service to celebrate Dawn’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, at Puyallup United Methodist Church, 1919 W Pioneer Ave., Puyallup, WA 98371