Margaret Patricia "Pat" Dobson

Margaret "Pat" Dobson, 99, of Cedar Rapids, NE passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at Boone County Health Center, Albion, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, NE with Rev. Matt Gutowski officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, NE. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Wake Service at church.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Margaret Patricia "Pat" Dobson began her life on a winter day, February 17, 1926, in Spalding, Nebraska, the daughter of Robert Lee and Mary Dorothy (Kinney) Carraher. She was welcomed into the Catholic faith at St. Michael's Church as an infant and later confirmed there as a young girl in 1937. Pat attended grade school at a country school in the Sandhills. She then attended Spalding Academy, where her love of learning and natural dedication carried her to the top of her class as valedictorian in 1943. Pat helped her mother care for her younger siblings and held various jobs in Spalding during her high school years including working at the drug store and doing the nuns' laundry at the local convent. She loved to sing and would sing Irish tunes with her beautiful voice for her father upon request. Living through the Great Depression, many fell on hard times, including the Carraher's, but her family endured, and Pat learned the importance of hard work and perseverance.

After high school, at a time when the world was at war, Pat joined the WWII U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. She trained with determination and compassion, preparing to serve others during a difficult chapter in history. When her training was complete, she earned her teaching certificate and began teaching in a rural country school. Her life was headed in a steady direction until one unforgettable night at a dance in Spalding. There she met a handsome young man from Primrose named Reginald Dobson. Pat would later say she was swept off her feet by that Dobson boy, and from that moment forward, her life took a beautiful new path.

On December 29, 1947, Pat took Reggie's hand in marriage at St. Michael's Church in Spalding. The couple first made their home east of Primrose before moving to Cedar Rapids, and eventually to their farm south of Primrose. Pat was a devoted housewife and homemaker, and she and Reg were blessed with seven children. In their later years, they moved to St. George, Utah, where they lived until 2002. While living near Vegas, Pat enjoyed playing the slot machines while Reg would wait cheering her on. They then returned to Nebraska and settled in Cedar Rapids. Following Reg's passing in 2011, Pat moved to an assisted living in O'Neill, then to Omaha for a brief time, and has resided at Cloverlodge Care Center in St. Edward for the past five years.

Pat's faith was central to her life. She was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, an active member of the Altar Society, and served as religious education director for 10 years. She loved to learn and was an avid reader. She was also a talented artist and enjoyed growing beautiful flowers. Pat also carried with her a playful spirit. She delighted in being silly with her grandchildren, sharing snacks, playing games, and making memories that still bring smiles today. She loved to tell stories of the past, loved music and playing cards, and she cherished every trip she and Reg took together. We will forever cherish the book she wrote "Momma, the Sandcherries are Ripe" an autobiography of her life as she remembers it.

Pat is survived by her seven children: William (Linda) Dobson of Primrose, NE; Reginald (Bridget) Dobson of Primrose, NE; Mary (Ron) Ziemba of Cedar Rapids, NE; Daniel (Connie) Dobson of Cedar Rapids, NE; David (Victoria) Dobson of Primrose, NE; Sharon (Wendell) Spencer of Papillion, NE; and Julie Dobson of Cedar Rapids, NE; two siblings, Kathy Eckland and Robert Carraher of Omaha, NE; 23 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was welcomed into heaven by her parents; her love Reginald Dobson who we are sure took her by the hand and said, "Come on dear, this is the best place." Also preceding her in death were her brothers: Tom and Martin Carraher; sisters, Rosemary ("Sr. Miriam Patricia"), Bernadette Costello, and Alice Delancy; and three infant brothers.