Born Patricia Gillen in Manhattan, where she graduated from St. Alphonsus High School, she moved to Rosebank in 2000.
Mrs. Dawson worked for 40 years as a manager at AT&T at various locations throughout New York City. She retired 13 years ago.
The devout Catholic was a parishioner of St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Rosebank, where she belonged to the Christian Mothers Club.
"She was a fighter until the end," said her son, Michael Gardella.
Also surviving are two grandchildren.
The funeral will be Friday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a mass at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. Arrangements include cremation.
