Diane Dawson

Diane “Dee” M. (Kempe) Dawson, 82, of Englewood, FL, beloved wife for 42 years of Thomas W. Dawson Jr., a dedicated mother, a devoted grandmother (Mima), a caring sister, aunt and friend passed away Friday, September 15, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. We can take comfort in knowing Diane is resting in the loving arms of Jesus, until we all meet again.

Diane was born on May 11, 1941 at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT, one of three children of the late George H. Kempe and Mary (Yaremchyshyn (Ramsey)) Kempe. Diane graduated from East Hartford High School in 1959. She attended Manchester Community College from 1972-1974. Diane worked 17 years for the East Hartford Housing Authority with the title of Housing and Leasing Coordinator and earned the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) certificate for Elderly Housing Manager in 1982. She spent the last 12 years of her career working for the State of Connecticut, Department of Housing as Housing and Program Coordinator, where she earned the NAHRO certificate for Public Housing Manager in 1993. Diane retired from the state of Connecticut in the year 2000.

Diane was an avid fan of the UCONN Women’s Basketball Team. She had a passion for bowling back in the day and she could brag about being part of The 300 Club. Diane enjoyed her quiet time reading a good book on the beach or in the comfort of her home. She also treasured the weekly get-togethers playing cards or Mahjong with her many friends. Diane loved to host holiday parties and will be remembered for the festivities put on in each of her homes, especially her favorite home on Black Cat Island on Lake Winnipesaukee, in NH.

Diane leaves her husband Thomas, her two daughters; Jackie Bryla and husband James of Roseville, CA, Kristin Gove of Manchester, CT. A son, Jeffrey Gove of CT. Two step-sons; Thomas Dawson lll of East Hartford, CT, James Dawson of South Windsor, CT. A stepdaughter, Doreen Rogers of South Windsor, CT. Her grandchildren; Nikki Wood with (Jose Samora) of New York, NY, Ben Wood and wife Ayla Moore of Nashville, TN, Jeffrey Christopher Gove of NJ, Jonathan Gove with (Caitlin Churn) of Rocky Mount, VA, Amanda Stevens with (Brian Doby) and great grandson Noah Gove-Stevens of NJ, Andrew Dawson with (Becca Drzyzga) of Coventry, CT, Brian Dawson of Manchester, CT, Jordan Dawson of Canaan, NH. Diane also leaves a brother G. Steven Kempe and wife Lucy of Springfield, VT. Sister in-laws; Sherry Knierim-Kempe of NH, Kathy Moreau and husband Richard of Englewood, FL, Donna Herrmann and husband Donnie of Memphis, TN. Daughter in-laws; Carla Calabrese Dawson of East Windsor, CT, Kathy Dawson of Vernon, CT, MaryJo Afonso of Boones Mill, VA, along with many nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. In addition to her parents, Diane was predeceased by her brother, Gordon P. Kempe.

Diane’s smile, laughter and caring words to all will be missed and, by the Grace of God, will be carried on by her loving daughters.

A memorial service celebrating Diane’s life will be Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 10 am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, CT. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT. Diane’s family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 4 – 7 pm. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. To help fight the battle against cancer, the family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, a give-in honor/memorial contribution be made to the American Cancer Society of CT, 111 Founders Plaza, 2nd Floor, East Hartford, CT 06108 or at cancer.org. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.