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Death in our diocesan family: Roberta T. Dawson

Votive candles

With sadness we share the news of the death of Roberta T. Dawson, 95, the mother of the Rev. Marjorie Dawson Lindstrom. She died peacefully, following a period of declining health, on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Born in Cabot, Vermont, August 29, 1924, she was the daughter of Herbert John and Marjorie Parsons Tebbetts.

She grew up on the family dairy farm. Her father was one of the original founders of the Cabot Creamery. Educated locally, Roberta later attended the Massachusetts General School of Nursing graduating as a registered nurse. It was there she met her future husband George, who was then attending seminary in Cambridge. They were married on August 6, 1949.

In addition to the Rev. Marjorie Lindstrom and her husband Michael, Roberta is survived by her two sons, George W. Dawson and his wife Sandi, and John Herbert Dawson; as well as three grandchildren, Allison Smeltzer and her husband Robert, Anders Lindstrom and his wife Aleksandra, and Erik Lindstrom; great-grandchildren Malin, Annabel, Stella and Reece; and her sister Norma Beadie and husband Thomas.

She was predeceased by her husband the Rev. George Dawson in 2016, and her brother Arnold Tebbetts.

While residing in New Jersey Roberta was an active parishioner of St John’s, Ramsey, St Paul’s, Paterson and Christ Church, Ridgewood where she sang in the choir for many years. She enjoyed a long life highlighted by her support of the church, while participating as an active parishioner, Altar Guild member and choir member. Upon retiring to Maine she became an active member of St John the Baptist in Thomaston, Maine.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge until late in her life.

Due to current social distancing guidelines, Roberta will be laid to rest privately at Achorn Cemetery in Rockland, Maine. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather together.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in her name to: The Episcopal Church of Saint John the Baptist, 200 Main St, Thomaston, Maine 04861.

Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Marjorie Lindstrom at revmlindstrom@comcast.net.

Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. Lord, grant eternal rest, forever in the radiance of your light. Amen.