Margaret Dawson's Obituary
Margaret Mary Dawson (Rooney), 101, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.
Margaret was born on July 27, 1923, to the late James P. and Mary J. (Tomlinson) Rooney.
She was born in Lawrence but grew up and raised her family in Methuen. She graduated from Searle’s High School in 1940 and then worked for Pacific Mills as a mender. She married her husband Fred after he returned from WWII. Margaret left the workforce to raise her five children but eventually returned to work for the IRS in Andover for 15 years. After retiring from the IRS, she later took a part-time job at Salem Laundry.
Margaret was a devout Catholic, teaching CCD and serving as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Monica Parish. She was also a member of the St. Monica’s Ladies Sodality, the St. Clair League, and the Ladies Red Hat Society. She especially loved outdoor work and canned numerous vegetables that her husband grew in his garden. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends. Known for her kindness, caring, and generosity, she became affectionately known as “Ma Dawson” to everyone.
Margaret was the beloved wife of the late Fred Dawson. She was the loving mother of Catherine A. Sinnamon and her husband James F. of Michigan, Janice M. Allen of Methuen, Fred Dawson and his wife Kim of Maine, Margaret Dawson of Methuen, and Francis J. Dawson and his wife Nanette M. of New Hampshire. She was cherished by her 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, Joseph Rooney, Francis Rooney, Helen MacCallum, and Olive Arroyo.
A visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Monica Church, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen, on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Methuen.
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dawson Family.
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