Nancy Dawson

Nancy Dawson of Marstons Mills, MA, Glastonbury, CT, and Wyoming, Ohio passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at the age of 93.

Nancy lived a life that we all hope to live, one filled with love, family, creativity and joy.

She earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. This is also where she met the love of her life, and husband of seventy years, the late David Dawson

Nancy worked in the Ohio school system where she taught Home Ec, Science, Phys Ed, and managed the cafeteria (all at once!). Once her daughters Deb and Cheri were born, she became a devoted homemaker and school volunteer before returning to teach preschool in Connecticut when her girls were in high school.

Nancy was a talented artist. Her art work included being a silver smith, a beaded jewelry maker, and a knitter of many items. But her passion was making stunning flower arrangements and sailors' valentines with sea shells, including centerpieces for her grandson's wedding and ornaments for friends and family. Her pieces were often in high demand and she donated them to many causes including one dear to her; The Glenna Kohl Fund for Hope.

One of Nancy's greatest passions were the 20 years she spent antiquing with Dave. They specialized in Shaker furniture and Ephemera (old paper) and attended shows all over New England.

Nancy and Dave bought a home on Mystic Lake upon retirement. She volunteered alongside her husband for the Indian Ponds Association and Heritage Museum and Gardens.

She was a talented horticulturist, and an active member of the Osterville Garden Club since 1996. In 2017 she was recipient of the Caroline Lane Award for horticultural leadership and engaging and inspiring others. She was known for her sponsorship of the perennial exchange, chaired the horticulturists committee and provided workshops on a variety of topics. Nancy received the honor of a lifetime membership in 2023 for her contributions to the club. Many looked to her for horticultural advice, including her daughters and granddaughters, and she helped create the flower crowns for her granddaughter's wedding this past July.

She loved to entertain and was a cook extraordinaire. Nancy and Dave loved to host large parties where all the children, grandchildren, cousins and friends would come together to eat, play games and enjoy the lake. It was in these times Nancy was at her happiest, and this love was felt by all who were gathered.

Nancy is pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, David Dawson and her best friend and sister, Elyce Paridon. She is survived by her daughters Deborah Sweeney (Dan) of Centerville, MA, and Cheryl Schmidt (Mike) of Hollis, NH; grandchildren Caitlyn (Jeremy), Bryan

(Jacqui), Christopher (Carolina), Sara (Blake) and Laura (Nick), and her beloved great grandchildren Charlotte, Cameron, Emilia, Matthew, Clara, Dawson and Summer.

She will be most remembered for her love of family, independent spirit, sense of humor and for sharing her passions of gardening, cooking and art with all who met her.

A celebration of life will be held for both Nancy and Dave at The West End Restaurant in Hyannis, MA on October 19th from 3-6pm.