Rose Marie Dawson

Rose was born on November 15, 1934 in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania to Walter and Pearl Wielkiewicz. Rose grew up in Nemacolin in a close and loving family with seven dear brothers and sisters. She graduated from Cumberland Township High School in 1952, as valedictorian of her class. Of note, Rose held the senior superlative “most capable”. Rose was soon after recruited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and moved with two of her sisters to Washington, DC in 1952. It was in Washington that Rose began her 14 year career with the FBI as an executive secretary. During her FBI career, she was awarded multiple commendations from the Bureau for her outstanding performance. Her sisters Irene and Pearl were also secretaries at the FBI at that time.

More importantly, however, it was in Washington, DC that Rose met her groom Howard “Jack” Dawson, who would become her beloved husband of 62 years. After her marriage to Jack in 1961, the couple settled in Northern Virginia where they continued to live for over 55 years, raising their three children.

Rose shone as mother to their children, savoring the joys of motherhood. She immersed herself in her childrens’ activities — volunteering as a Girl Scout badge mother for her elder daughter, cheering on her younger daughter’s championship soccer team, and supporting her son’s musical interests. Rose also enjoyed musicals, singing along as she watched them from her family room. John Denver was her favorite popular musician; Rose hummed “Take Me Home Country Roads” during her days at home. She was skilled at crochet and crafted quilts for all her children and grandchildren. Rose eventually went back to work, hired by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an executive secretary. She worked for CIA for over a decade until her retirement from federal government service.

In retirement, Rose and Jack enjoyed twenty years of traveling, including tours to Europe, camping adventures, and summer beach trips along the East Coast. Even so, Rose was happiest in her home with her family. She was truly the heart of the home, always welcoming her children and their families, including four cherished grandchildren, for holidays and occasions grand and simple. Rose’s gentle, caring ways and warm presence anchored her family. A nurturing soul, Rose was a remarkably loving and devoted grandmother to her grandchildren. Her example of living an intentionally good life is a legacy her children and grandchildren hold dear.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Pearl Wielkiewicz, her brothers Edward and Walter, and sisters Marsha, Louise, Pearl, and Irene. Rose’s beloved husband Jack preceded her in death by 15 days.

Rose is survived by her daughter Laura Durback (Gerard); daughter Amy Hessler (Anthony); son Howard Dawson, III (Wendy), all of Virginia; and four grandchildren, Natalie Hessler, Ashley Hessler, Melissa Durback, and Sean Durback, all of Virginia. She is also survived by her sister Audri Homrock of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania.

Viewing is from 6PM to 8PM on Sunday, January 21 at Demaine Funeral Home (10565 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030). A funeral service will be held at 10AM on Monday, January 22 at Demaine Funeral Home. A burial service will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park at 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA, 22032. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to United States Fund for UNICEF; CARE.