How Pottery Gives Dawn Rumsey Balance

For nearly 40 years, Dawn Rumsey has been a dedicated member of the Mount Pleasant Group (MPG), helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. As the Manager of Cemetery Services at Beechwood Cemetery, she ensures operations run smoothly, supports her team and helps maintain strong relationships with the community. But when the workday ends, Dawn steps away from the world of cemetery services and into a something different – pottery.

Dawn didn’t set out to work in the death-care industry. While studying nursing, she realized that it wasn’t the career for her. Searching for a job, she stumbled upon a position as a coordinator at MPG.

“I thought it was a stopgap,” she said. “Each year, I told myself I’d go back to school the next year, but somehow, that next year never came. I truly loved being a coordinator. It was an honour to have families trust me with the stories and memories of their loved ones, especially during such a difficult time. Listening to their heartfelt stories was incredibly meaningful to me. I took pride in picking up on the small details that helped shape a truly meaningful and personal experience for those families.”

Over the years, Dawn has held multiple roles, spending more than three decades as a coordinator before stepping into leadership as Assistant Manager and now Manager of Cemetery Services where she has been since 2021.

While Dawn thrives in her role, she acknowledges that working in the cemetery industry can be emotionally demanding. That’s where pottery comes in.

“It’s my sanity,” she said.

Her pottery journey began 12 years ago when she found herself with free time in the evenings. With her teenage kids out and her husband, who also works in the death-care industry, off golfing, Dawn realized she needed a hobby. She had dabbled in stained glass but couldn’t find a course, so she took a pottery class instead and was instantly hooked.

Since then, she has immersed herself in the craft, attending workshops across Ontario, running her own small pottery business, and even teaching classes. She also serves on the board of directors for her local art guild, where she helps organize an annual sale featuring over 120 artists and a charity event called Empty Bowls, which raises thousands for the local food bank.

For Dawn, pottery is more than just a creative outlet – it’s a way to reset and recharge.

“I love starting with a lump of dirt and creating a mug or a bowl that becomes a functional or useful piece,” she said. “It can take days, even weeks to finish pieces, and along the way there are many steps where a piece can fail. It’s important to have an adaptable sense of humour when things don't go as planned.”

Despite her busy schedule, Dawn finds time to create, whether it’s at home in her garage studio or at the community pottery space.

“When it’s something you love, it doesn’t feel like I’m trying hard to find the time,” said Dawn. “I have an entire studio set up at home, but I also equally enjoy working in the community studio where I can support newer potters and where ideas are shared. I have made some life-long friendships through the community studio and enjoy carving out time to spend with my potter friends.”

Away from the demands of her day job, pottery offers Dawn a space to unwind, create and connect with a like-minded community. Whether shaping clay or guiding families, her passion for both crafts reflects a deep commitment to care and creativity.