Mary Louise Dawson

Mary Louise Dawson, 76, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday July 23, 2016 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. She was born on January 17, 1940 in Evergreen Park, Illinois to Robert and Elizabeth Laven Wagner. She married George Dawson on June 18, 1966 in Springfield.

Mrs. Dawson is survived by her husband George who operates Springfield’s Country Market, two daughters: Elizabeth (Rob) Havens of Springfield, and Karie (Carl) Carlson of St. Louis, one son Gregory (companion Julia Browning) Dawson of Springfield, two granddaughters: Lauren and Madison Havens, one grandson Austin Havens, one brother Thomas (Susan) Wagner and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary Louise attended Springfield High School and earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. She was employed by District 186 from 1961-1967 as a fourth grade teacher at Carl Sandburg School and she then taught third, fourth, and fifth grades at Blessed Sacrament School for twenty seven years retiring in 2008. “ML” enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, gardening, and reading. She was a member of the Springfield Garden Club, Blessed Sacrament Women’s Club, and Metropolitan Women’s Church Alumni. Mary Louise volunteered and substitute taught at Blessed Sacrament after retirement.

A memorial mass will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday July 27, 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Church. The family will greet friends from 10:00am until the time of service Wednesday at church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament School and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.