Mary Marlene Dawson

The world lost a truly special person, Mary Marlene Dawson, on Thursday, January  30, 2025.  Mary passed away after a brief illness at Mercy Hospital surrounded by her beloved family. Mary leaves behind her 4 boys (Rick/Becky, Dale/Michelle, Marvin Jr/Judy, Bob/Gail), her 8 grandchildren (Jordan, Marvin III, Aaron, Jacob, Paul, Andrew, Tyler, Mackenzie), her cherished great grandson, Boone and a plethora of longtime friends.

Mary was born as the 6th of 7 children (Dolly, Hatty Pearl, John, Raymond, Ida, Johanne) on December 3, 1939, to the late Lillian and John Tipton in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, a small blue-collar town east of Pittsburgh. This blue-collar upbringing taught Mary (Mouds) numerous skills and lifelong lessons that she loved to share with her family. Mary was a very gifted artist and shared numerous stories of drawing pictures for a few dollars growing up or doing the artwork for stained glass windows for churches in her old neighborhood. Mary was an avid sports fan, especially for her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. She never missed a chance to remind her Ohio kids how much better the Steelers are than the Browns… and she was correct most of the time.

Mary relocated to Vermilion, Ohio in the early 1960’s with her late husband, Marvin Dawson, Sr. She took on the role of stay-at-home mom for her 4 boys. Once her boys were grown Mary would return to work. She absolutely loved her jobs and if you spent time around her she was always glad to share her stories. She was especially proud of the time and friendships she made while at German’s Villa in Vermilion, Cracker Barrel in Sheffield Lake, Mill Manor in Vermilion, and Vermilion Coin Laundry. Mary eventually retired in the early 2020’s to focus more on her lifelong passions of art and baking. She was so proud of her mallow cup candies, pumpkin rolls and Grannies Panties artwork.

Mary loved to compete whether through her TV game shows or by sharing her bakery creations and thus could be found regularly at local baking contests or county fairs.

Her favorite color was PINK!

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH 44089.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Riddle Funeral Home. Interment  will follow at Rugby Cemetery in Brownhelm Township.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Friends of  Ritter Public Library, 5680 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH 44089.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.