Bertilla Dawson

Bertilla Dawson was born on November 1, 1931 in Weed, California and passed away on January 10, 2026 in the town she loved and called home. She was 94 years old.

She was the only child of Frank and Rita Boffo, who immigrated from Italy and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Those values shaped Bertilla's life and were reflected in the strength, kindness, and care she showed to everyone around her. She attended Weed Elementary and Weed High School. She loved working in the school library and worked at the local shoe store.

Bertilla shared a beautiful lifelong love with her high school sweetheart, Melvin Dawson. They were married for nearly 73 years, creating a life filled with devotion, partnership, and countless shared memories until his passing in 2024. They both were very devoted to family and their faces would light up when talking about their grandchildren.

Bertilla was blessed with many lifelong friends in Weed, friendships that reflected her warmth, loyalty, and spirit. In her younger years, Bertilla enjoyed golfing at the Weed Golf Course, where she was a member of the ladies' group and made many fond memories. She was also a fabulous cook, known for meals that brought family and friends together and made everyone feel welcome.

Family meant everything to her. She is survived by her four children: Son/Daughter-in-Law Rodney and Patc Dawson, Son/Daughter-in-Law Gregory and Darlene Dawson of Weed, Son/Daughter-in-Law David and Jodi Dawson of Kalispell, MT and Daughter/Son-in-Law Roxane and Gil Akers of Redding, CA; her Brother/Sister-in-Law, Danny and Dawn Dawson of Elko NV; and her Sister-in-Law, Dolores Dawson of Spokane, WA. She was especially proud of her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were truly her pride and joy.

A devout Catholic, Bertilla's faith was a steady and important part of her life. She loved attending Mass and found comfort and strength in her faith throughout the years. She will be remembered for her deep faith, her love of family, her friendships, and the grace with which she lived her life.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 13th at the Holy Family Church in Weed, CA @10:00am.

Donations in her honor may be made to:

The Holy Family Women's Society,

1051 North Davis, Weed, CA 96094.