Louise Shoales Dawson

Louise Shoales Dawson died peacefully early Saturday morning, September 20, 2014. She is the beloved wife of Andrew Dawson having just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary together on June 29th.

She is the cherished mother to Melinda Dawson, Cynthia (Dave) Blumgart; Michael (Ellen) Dawson, James (Janet) Dawson and Sandra (Mike) Crown. She is the special 'Mimi' to Matthew (Alissa) Turnbull, Christi (Cailean) Turner, Keith (Jennifer) Dawson, Jessica (Kent) Benes, Benjamin Blumgart, Ashley (Joe) SanFilippo, Jackson (Sarah) Blumgart, Casey Dawson and Madeleine Blumgart. She is the great-grandmother to Ian and Gavin Turner, Kaia and Lucas Benes, Cameron and Jayden Dawson, Addison Turnbull and Joseph and Lila SanFilippo. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews as well.

A 1942 graduate of Keuka College, Louise taught high school for four years before starting her marriage in Europe in 1946. She was a member of the North Merrick Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for many years. In 1972, she graduated from Hofstra University with a Master of Science in Education degree. Louise had a long career as a Special Education teacher working with cerebral palsy students as well as teaching Sunday School to primary grade students. While in Stroudsburg, PA, Louise was an active member of the American Association of University Women and worked with HeadStart. She served in various church positions and was a devoted member of Presbyterian churches in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina that included providing peer counseling and support services to church members as a Stephen Minister and a Deacon. She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing and quilting for her family, friends and fundraisers.

While living in Williamsburg, VA, Louise and her husband were strong supporters of the William & Mary Men's Basketball team. They enjoyed traveling all over the world, attended many activities of their grandchildren and enjoyed their time on the Outer Banks. She brought wisdom, love, support and humor to family and friends alike. Her compassionate presence spread love and caring wherever she went. We know she is with the angels who include her parents, sister and brothers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lighthouse Society at http://www.lighthousepreservation.org/donation-form.php or to the National Audubon Society at https://secure.audubon.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4900.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church (200 High Meadow Dr, Cary, NC 27511), with receiving to follow in the fellowship hall.