Ann Shirley Dawson

Ann Shirley Dawson, 72, of Lakeside, passed, Friday, January 10, 2025.

Her life began May 12, 1952 in Michigan City, Indiana, the youngest of six children born to Giovanni and Antonia DeTomasi. She first married David Trumps in 1969 in Three Oaks, Michigan. After four years of marriage, he preceded her in death. She then married Thomas Dawson in 1976 in Lakeside, Michigan. After thirty-eight years of marriage, he also preceded her in death in 2014.
    
Ann Dawson deserves a book written about her. Her strength, bravery, love, resilience. Though tragedies have touched her life, Ann chose to endure each negative with ferocious perseverance. Even in the bad, there was so much good. She did so much for others. Ann took on the role of caregiver to those who needed her, always willing to lend a hand. She was outstanding member to her community. Ann was gracious and selfless time and time again. 

She loved bowling, The Wizard of Oz, bunnies, the color blue, but most of all her family - and that will be her legacy; unending dedication and love for her people. Ann’s memory will live on through the countless lives she uplifted and the lasting impact she made.

Ann will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by two daughters, Heather (Keith) Shimanek of Niles, Holly (David) Healey of Chicago, Illinois; one son, Joel Dawson of Sawyer; grandchildren, Becky, Rian, Naomi, Charles, Amber, Eric, Chucky, Matthew, Patrick, Michael, Hannah, Mitchel, Griffin, Jack, Austin, Zoë, Gio; twenty-four great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; one sister, Arlene Reed of Tennessee; two brothers, Jerry DeTomasi of Florida, Jack (Clareann) DeTomasi of Three Oaks; two step-daughters, Debbie (David) Bronson of Florida, Robin Brock of Grand Rapids;
special family members, Kevin Sherbit of Benton Harbor, Amy (Buck) Rochefort of Three Oaks, John Smith of Jackson, Kelly Garrett of Elkhart, Indiana, Jude, Noa; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved first husband; her beloved second husband; one daughter, Judy Kwantes; one sister, Pat Keltner; one brother, James DeTomasi; two step-sons, Kenneth Dawson, Charles Dawson.  

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Ann’s life from 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Peat’s Cider Social, 6201 Red Arrow Highway, Stevensville, Michigan 49127.

Ann will be laid to rest beside her husband, Thomas, in Lakeside Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Ann be made to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. 

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