In Loving Memory of
Margaret Z. Dawson
January 19, 1928 – April 7, 2020
Memorial was held on April 10, 2021 at 2:00 PM EDT
Watch the Virtual Memorial
Margaret Zeller Dawson, age 92, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Dock Woods Living Branches Retirement Community, Lansdale, PA. She was the wife of the late Joseph J. Dawson.
Born January 19, 1928 in Rochester, NY, she was the daughter of the late Alfred E. and Louise (Ehrenfried) Zeller.
Margaret was raised in Philadelphia and was a graduate of Olney High School. She was the daughter of German immigrants and did not learn English until she attended first grade. The family were members of Tabor Lutheran Church where she met her husband Joe, in youth group at age 14.
After High School, she attended the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts) for two years prior to getting married and raising a family. Art was a lifelong passion as was her family. When her family was grown, she joined the Greater Norristown Art League where she honed her skills as a water colorist and taught watercolor painting for over 30 years. Her watercolors can be found gracing the walls of many homes in Montgomery County and around the world. In 2010, she won first place in a contest held by the Montgomery County Courthouse for her “Rooftops of Norristown”. The Courthouse ran a juried contest to beautify its hallways with art depicting historical sites in the county.
Margaret was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and neighbor. She was always ready to lend a helping hand. A resident of Dock since 2004, she volunteered many hours to pour water for residents in the skilled nursing section, was part of the floral arranging committee and taught watercolor classes. She also kept active by taking zoomba classes and performing in the annual talent show. She had a willing and giving heart, and she is missed.
Internment was on April 10, 2020 at Wentz’s United Church of Christ, Worcester, PA where she and Joe were members for over 50 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Norristown Art League at https://gnal.org/donate or mailed to GNAL 800 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA 19403 where all donations will benefit the youth scholarship fund.
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I knew the Dawson family most of my life. Their house on Bustard Road was just a quick walk down the street. Before that, we visited at Marge’s parents, the Zellers, also on Bustard Road. Marge was a constant part of my life, being a loving and supportive parent to their children who were my friends and was likewise kind and supportive to me. She introduced me to her delicious German cooking. Marge and Joe were wonderful neighbors and good friends to my parents (who considered them the “kids” of the neighborhood.) Joe died of the same lung condition that took my husband’s life. Marge was a faithful, patient caregiver to him during his long illness. At Dock, she was again a helpful and cheerful neighbor to my mother. She was talented, kind and nurturing.
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THOUGHTFUL, CREATIVE, TALENTED, FUNNY, BEAUTIFUL, FAMILY….. Definitely a woman to be missed! We love you Marge! Miss seeing you at Dockwoods! It’s not the same without you!
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We have only the very best memories of Marge, seeing her mostly at extended family gatherings. She always greeted us with a hug, a smile and pleasant conversation. She was a gentle and creative soul and will be greatly missed but long remembered.
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I always remember how fortunate I was that you were in my life. I wouldn´t trade those moments for the world. Thank you for your love, your art and your beautiful smile. Until we meet again sweet Margaret.
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The Last we saw Mrs. Dawson was at Mr. Dawson’s funeral. She also painted a wedding invitation for us. I gave it to my X-husband since his Parents are buried there at Schwenkfelder Church. We also have a Yellow Iris Painting my sister commissioned since my father loved that flower. Growing up only 2 doors down was a great childhood. The neighborhood had many children and we were out all hours playing. Times were much simpler back then. I am at the same house taking care of Mom who is also 93 last December. All the mothers in the neighborhood were around the same age. The World is changing. I wish I could see all my childhood friends and give them a hug for the loss of their dear mother, but hopefully Mom (Anna) and I will be able to attend in a virtual way. Thank You for the beautiful Card with all the pictures.
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I remembered the times when our families got together. Your dad (Uncle Joe) was always making us laugh. Not sure how your mom(Aunt Marge) managed him. It must have made for some fun(or crazy)time growing up. She was always very nice to my family. She sent us Christmas and Birthday cards for many years. I went to see Audrey (My Dad’s second wife) at Dock Woods about 2 years ago. At that time I saw Aunt Marge , Bill and Hilda at dinner. She was still very enthusiastic and got around very well. Cindy (my wife) and I still have a water color she painted on our wedding invitation of our church. It is hanging in our hallway. When I walk by and look at it reminds me of her so she will be with us in memories as well.
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Marge was such a wonderful and caring person. I am blessed to have a beautiful piece of art that she painted, that I will always treasure, along with my sweet memories of an incredibly special lady.
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Marge was a wonderfully courageous, kind and giving person, as well as a wonderful artist. She will be missed by all who knew her.
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We spent many happy weekends with Joe and Marge. They were always ready to go someplace.
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I did not realize at a young age that “Uncle Joe” and Aunt Marge” were not related to me! Growing up, Marge felt like a real aunt to me – a very warm and loving person. In adulthood, Marge always had encouraging things to say and was helpful in my pursuit of art as being part of your life (I very much enjoy ceramics and understand her thoughts of losing track of time when painting…)
Although I miss seeing her in the Dockwoods dining area, Marge will always be in my memories!