Obituary of Kathleen M. Dawson

Kathy Dawson passed away unexpectedly at her home with her loving husband, Dan, at her side. Kathy was born in 1945 and raised in Maspeth, NY in a large and loving extended family. As a young mother, she moved to Massachusetts and began to build a life for their family as Dan built a career. 1978 brought her to New Jersey for what Dan promised was a "two year work assignment…tops". Over the next 38 years, Kathy raised her children to adults, made lasting friends, welcomed and loved seven grandchildren deeply, and never lost an argument. Kathy was known for her sharp wit, firm hand and endless love and attention for her children and grandchildren. Kathy was an active part of her community who never said "no" when asked for help. Over the years she served as a member of the Alexandria Township School Board and PTA, Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout troop leader, and volunteer for her church and local animal rescue organizations. She was a constant -- and loudest -- presence at every ball game in which her children ever played. Kathy faithfully supported a number of animal and children's charities and never met a tricky tray she didn't like (if she was winning). Kathy is survived by Dan Dawson, her husband of fifty years; daughter Kate Stone, her husband Jeff and sons Jeffrey and Michael; daughter Beth Dawson and her husband Paul Oliver; son Dan, his wife Christy and their children Aiden and Izabella; son Michael, his wife Marisa and their daughters Amelia, Lila and Fiona; and nephew Russell, niece Eileen and their families. We know that she is now at the big lake in the sky with her parents Joe and Mary Sax, sister Eileen and brother-in-law Russell. Family was everything to Kathy and she was the glue that held ours together. Life will not be the same without her. Relatives and friends may gather on Friday February 10, 2017 from 6:00 until 8:00pm at the Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. A mass of Christian burial will be offered on Saturday February 11, 2017 at 11:00am at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, 2 White Bridge Road, Pittstown NJ 08867. Interment will be private. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church on Saturday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through IN MEMORY OF, for the Common Sense for Animals at www.inmemoryof-memorial.org