Diane Penelope ‘Penny’ Dawson
May 12, 2021
Peacefully, with the grace and dignity with which she lived, our beloved Penny “Mom”, died on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021. Adored wife of Dr. Donald James Dawson and mother and dearest friend of Leslie Diane (Mary Ellen), Jeffrey Andrew (Sandra), Melanie Dawn (Ken), and Andrea ‘Michelle’. Proud grandmother to Meaghan, Jared, Jessica, and Cassandra. Cherished sister of Barry Brownlee (Mary). Predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Roy Brownlee. Penny was a proud pharmacist for 40 years. A true angel on earth, Penny lived her life with open arms and an open heart, a twinkle in her eye and a smile that lit up the darkest night; a strong Irishwoman with unshakable faith and boundless love for both stranger and friend. The love between Penny and Don spanned 62 married years – a precious and beautiful soulmate story full of humour and adoration. Aside from being with the love of her life, Penny’s greatest joy was when “we were all together”. The Dawson family would like to offer their deepest gratitude to the staff of the ICU at University Hospital in London, Ontario; especially to Cathy, Lesley, Jen, whose compassion, support, and kindness saw us through such a difficult time. We truly thank you all. Special thanks to Dr. Dorli Herman. A private funeral service will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, and a livestream of the service will also be provided for those wishing to view remotely. Registration is required to view the livestream.
To register for the livestream of Penny’s funeral service, please click here: >Registration page for the livestream of Penny’s funeral service on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Penny are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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My deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time. I enjoyed working with Penny at Big V many years ago and have many fond memories.
Sending love and strength during this difficult. I know she was such a special person in the Brownlee life. I have many memories of "Aunt Penny" visiting when I was hanging out with Shannon and Darren. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Susie
My heart reaches out to you Melanie and Ken, and to the rest of your family. I am thinking of you. A lot. Courage. Compassion. Love, Scott
Having grown up next door, I know my whole family is feeling the loss of Penny deeply. She was a very special lady to me and always will be. Her voice and laugh and gentle way figure large for me. I am so sorry for you all. So much love, guys, from Jason and Luis.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I went to high school with Melanie and spent many fun filled sleepovers at the Dawson home. I remember how generous and loving Mrs Dawson was to all the kids that trampled through their house. It takes a truly special person to open their home and their hearts to others. May everyone find comfort in knowing that she now resides in a home where she will always be at peace. Love and strength, Jill
We are deeply sorry to hear the sad news about Penny. We still remember the kindness shown by Penny (and Don) when we moved to Canada from Australia back in 1969 to work at the OCF. Our sympathies go to Don and the family. We have many happy memories of the time spent with the Dawson clan.
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
Sending our deepest condolences. May your memories of Penny bring your family comfort during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to all the family. I well remember Penny's mother talking to my mother about Penny and Barry as they shared garden tips at the house on Sunset Drive We lived next door but one. This is a sad time nevertheless it will make all the happy memories so much more precious. My brother Ian and I are very sorry for your loss.
Our condolences t0 all the family on the loss of Penny a true lady in every sense of the word. We were privileged to meet her on occasion when she and Don visited with Leslie and Maryellen at their Gulf Shore home, Pugwash , NS.
Alex and I have fond memories of Penny and Don Dawson whom we had the pleasure of meeting on arrival in Canada in 1974. Our sincere condolences to Don, Melanie, Jeff, Michelle, Leslie and their families at this sad time. Penny, you will be greatly missed. In sorrow, Sallie and Alex
Sending love and sincere condolences to you, Leslie and Mary Ellen. A mother's love will always be with you. Cherish your wonderful memories of this great lady,. Hugs always, donna
Our sympathies to you Don and the family.. such wonderful memories of years gone by .. lois and jim gilchrist
My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I have fond memories of my school days with Penny, and visits to the Brownlee home on Sunset Dr.. May her memory be a blessing.
I would like to pass along my family's most sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the whole Dawson Clan.Penny was a strong and admired matriarch for the family and will be dearly missed. Peace and strength be with you as you go thru these trying times. May she Rest In Peace.
My condolences to all of the Dawson family. My family grew up next to the Dawsons and we spent many years playing together. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson were great friends and neighbours to my parents and all the Allen children. Always loved the sound of Mrs. Dawson's laughter. Our thoughts are with you all. Cindi xo
I am so saddened to read of Penny's passing. Don, please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wonderful wife. She was a remarkable woman and it was a pleasure to have known her. Take good care. Gillian
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing, I remember her as a nice fun filled lady. Linda
So sorry to hear the news of Mrs Dawson, a fantastic neighbour and for me such a great example of an amazing working mum. Always such a welcoming place to spend time growing up. Sending the whole family my condolences at the very sad and difficult time. It's been too long since I've seen you all. Lots of love Jodi xoxo
Dear Barry and the Dawson Family, Sincere condolences from STCI class of 1955,
Sincere condolences to the entire Dawson family. Although I was only fortunate to meet the family during Christmas a few years ago, I was deeply impressed by Penny's gentile manners and jovial ways. May she rest in eternal peace.
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing, Michelle. I'm thinking about you and your family at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences from the Farrow family. Penny and Don were very good friends of our parents and as kids we remember being back and forth between each other's houses. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and the family during this very sad time.
So sorry to hear of Penny's passing.Our condolences and prayers are sent to both the Dawson and Brownlee families.
Our condolences and love to all of you at this very difficult time. The Gloin family
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London Regional Cancer Program
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
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(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
~ Marcia Cooper