Joanne Dawson Obituary

Joanne Dawson

Jan 21, 1945 - Jul 24, 2024

Huron

Joanne Dawson (Zuidervliet, McCarter) lost her brief and brave battle with cancer Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

She was born Jan. 21, 1945, in Rutherford, New Jersey, and was one of the original jersey shore girls. She grew up on the beach, swimming, boating, fishing, and waterskiing. Ashland College brought her to Ohio where she met and married John McCarter, the father of her children, Karen (David) and David (Lorie).

Joanne was a graduate of The Ohio State University's education program. She was also a life-long learner earning her bachelor's degree, master's degree, and studying at Elder's College of the Firelands Branch of Bowling Green State University. Over the years, she touched the lives of thousands of children as a third- and fifth-grade teacher and librarian. When she retired from teaching, she took with her many heartwarming and entertaining stories as well as lifelong friends.

Joanne married, and is survived by, Jeff Dawson in 2005. Together, they have shared a loving and fun-filled partnership and traveled the world.

Joanne was an artistic and creative soul. She loved to cross-stitch, stamp, stencil, create personalized cards, write poems, decorate, plant beautiful gardens, and much more. To David and Karen's childhood dismay, she made many of our clothes and even had us model some of them in Mansfield! To the delight of her grandchildren, she made wonderful Halloween costumes.

And, speaking of grandchildren, they were the delight of her life! She is survived by six grandchildren, Sarah (Ryan), Alex (Lacey), Morgan (Colin), Madyson (Jacob), Maggie, and Kelly. She also had five-and-a-half great-grandchildren, Eli, Kane, Ava, Lyla, Thea, and coming soon Cooper. Joanne is also survived by her brother, Adrian Zuidervliet (Patricia), and many dear and loyal friends.

If you knew Joanne, you knew her kindness, her generosity, her laugh, and her giving spirit. Throughout her life, she supported her church, volunteered in helping the homeless, served as a poll worker on election day, and passionately supported the Care and Share organization. Joanne has requested donations to Care and Share in lieu of flowers. You can also honor her spirit and her memory by creating something, planting something, or giving something to someone in need.

Visitation with family will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, until the time of Joanne's celebration of life at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall at Christ Community Church, 2401 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870. There will be a service in the First Congregation Church of Mansfield chapel followed by a private internment of remains with details pending.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, is assisting family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be shared at www.toftfuneralhome.com.