Marilyn Dawson Obituary

Dawson, Marilyn Joanne Our beloved mother, Marilyn Joanne Dawson (nee Applin), age 88, of Oak Lawn, Illinois joined her late husband, Stanley C. Dawson on the other shore October 20, 2017. She leaves behind her six children, Clyde (Karen), Donna (John Lalor), Gail (Patrick) Staples, Timothy, Stanley, Jr. (Kathy) and Michael (Mary); cherished grandmother of Kristin (Marlon) dela Cruz, Jessi and Peter Staples, Lindsey (Eddie) Brodsky, Alex, Megan, Joseph and Emma Dawson, and step-granddaughter Candice (Josh) Hameister and their son, Jack; dear sister of Donna Dawson, Richard (Joy) Applin and Larry (Shirley) Applin and longtime friend and sister-in-law of Marilyn (Charlie) Jarvis; loving aunt of many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was born on January 2, 1929 in East Tawas, Michigan to the late Ernest "Rip" and Elsie (Wendt) Applin. Marilyn graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1947. She married Stan Dawson on April 23, 1949 and continued working for Michigan Bell Telephone Company as a Stenographer until 1950 when the couple moved to Illinois. When Stan started his own television and radio business, Marilyn handled the accounts payable and receivable, in addition to other support roles. The couple also enjoyed traveling. Marilyn loved to sing and sang in the church choir all her life. She shared her love of singing with her children and grandchildren; sang them to sleep at night, taught them songs and sang a large repertoire when traveling. She was a talented artist and shared her gift with family. Marilyn instilled the love of art and creativity in her children and grandchildren. She was the mother on the block who welcomed the neighborhood kids for play, snacks and laughter. She was also a Cub Scout Leader. The young family spent much of their time on Lake Michigan on their boat and traveled around the Great Lakes. Later, they traveled down the Mississippi, into the Gulf of Mexico for winter and then up the East Coast into the St Lawrence in the spring. When asked to recall her favorite memories she stated, "Being anywhere on the boat with my husband". A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 4th at Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453. Visitation at 4:00 p.m., followed by a service at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Salem United Church of Christ. Please call Zimmerman-Sandeman Funeral Home 708-424-0340 or visit www.zimmermansandeman.com for more information.