Marie Margaret (Gavin) Dawes

Marie Margaret (Gavin) Dawes went Home to the Lord on Saturday, May 4 while surrounded by her family.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, William and Marie Gavin and survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Bob Dawes; children: Bobby (Kelly) Dawes, Mary Beth (Tim) Culbertson, Bill (Lisa) Dawes, Becky (Mike) Cummins. “Dawesie” will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren whom she supported endlessly: Katie (John) Gibboney, Sarah and Abby Dawes, Cody (Theresa), Kelly (Mallory) and Carly Culbertson, Alex and Nick Dawes, Anne Marie (Eric) Futscher, Maureen, and Michael Gavin Cummins as well as her great-grandchildren, Noa, Callen, Harlen Culbertson; John Joseph and Gabriel Gibboney.

Marie was very proud of her Irish Catholic heritage beginning in Allentown, PA and on the shores of New Jersey where her competitive spirit allowed her to develop her softball and basketball skills as well become a wonderful pianist and guitarist. Marie was an honored graduate of Allentown Central Catholic as class valedictorian and editor of the year book. She was thrilled to eventually return to Central Catholic to begin her teaching career.

Marie briefly attended the College of New Rochelle in New York before transferring to St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg, Maryland where she was a member of the women’s basketball team prior to meeting and marrying Bob, the love of her life. Marie happily became Bob’s “bride” on July 1, 1961. The love they shared was evident to the very end, as Marie would light up when Bob entered the room and greeted his lovely bride.

Eventually Marie and Bob landed in Columbus, Ohio where they raised their four children and she provided unwavering support as he and his partner grew their business, Bob- Boyd Auto Family. After many years, Marie returned to the classroom as an 8th grade teacher at St. Cecilia where she was determined to be “the best part of each student’s day.” Marie was blessed in many ways including her opportunities to travel the world and touch so many people with her faith, humility, and wisdom. Marie was a devout Catholic, attending morning mass until her health began to decline. Marie was very active in many religious and civic organizations to serve those in need including the unborn through Pregnancy Decision, Women’s Care Center, The Christ Child Society, and The Knights of The Holy Sepulchre. She was a proud member of the choir at The Church of the Resurrection, distributed Eucharist to the homebound, and volunteered countless hours at both St. Cecilia School and Bishop Ready High School. In addition to cheering on the Silver Knights, Marie became a fan of the Bishop Hartley Hawks, The St. Francis Desales Stallions, Ohio Dominican University, Otterbein University, Xavier University, Duquesne University, and John Carroll University while watching her children and grandchildren compete.

Although an only child, nothing meant more to Marie than hosting large gatherings of family and friends. “Dawesie’s” house was a place of tremendous faith, great storytelling, (especially about how to catch a crab and using a trapper’s mitt) and sincere support for all that entered. She will be missed terribly but her strong faith, love of family, and Irish traditions will continue through the family she so tirelessly served.

The family would like to thank the hospice team and most especially the wonderful nursing staff in Memory Care as well as all employees at Wesley Woods of New Albany for their care, concern, and genuine love for Marie over the years.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Please join us as we celebrate a life well lived:

Visitation will be Thursday, May 9 from 3-5:30 pm at Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E Dublin Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054 where a Rosary will begin at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will Friday, May 10 at 11:00 am at Church of the Resurrection.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

The Bob and Marie Dawes Endowment Fund for Catholic Education. The Catholic Foundation

257 E Broad Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Arrangements completed by EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 East Broad Street. Visit www.egan-ryan.com to offer condolences.