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Friday
Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home
4:00 - 6:30 pm (Eastern time)
Friday
Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home
Starts at 6:30 pm (Eastern time)
Dolores A. Dawson, age 87, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. Dawson, with whom she shared over 58 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2016.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 3, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Mary (Sansone) DeCarpis. Dolores was raised in Arlington and graduated with the Arlington High School Class of 1957.
It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life, Ed, on a blind date at a roller rink. The two immediately hit it off and soon began a lifelong journey together. After marrying and settling down, they continued to share their love of roller skating, which remained a special part of their relationship for many years.
As a mother, Dolores was always loving, supportive, and devoted to her family. She constantly put the needs of others before her own and was always looking out for those she loved. Each summer, she and her family spent two weeks at Salisbury Beach and Hampton Beach, creating countless cherished memories of fun, laughter, and togetherness. She also enjoyed volunteering at bingo events at St. Augustine School, where her children attended.
Dolores was an exceptional cook whose meals brought family and friends together. Her eggplant and meatballs were legendary, and everyone eagerly looked forward to enjoying them. She was also known for her incredible baklava and tiramisu, which quickly became family favorites.
In her later years, Dolores enjoyed traveling with her sister Joyce and her cousins. Together they explored many beautiful destinations, including Alaska, Hawaii, Aruba, and Costa Rica, creating treasured memories along the way.
In her free time, Dolores loved spending time in her garden, tending to her vegetables and flowers. She never hesitated to share the fruits of her labor with family, friends, and neighbors. She also enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, always keeping her mind active and engaged.
When her grandchildren came along, Dolores embraced her role as a grandmother with the same love and devotion she had shown her children. She delighted in playing restaurant, school, and house with them, and cherished every opportunity to be a fun-loving and involved presence in their lives.
Above all else, Dolores will be remembered for her generous spirit, selfless nature, and kind heart. Her family never had to wonder how deeply she loved them, because she showed it every day through her actions, her unwavering support, and the countless ways she cared for those around her. Her love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Dolores is survived by her loving daughters, Jeannine Gagne and her husband Robert of Chester, NH, Michelle Rogers and her husband Joseph Rogers, Jr. of Haverhill; her cherished grandchildren, Anthony Longo, Jr., Jessica Flynn, Derek Rogers, Lauren Rogers, Danielle DeVits, and Nicole Gagne; her adoring great-grandchildren, Carli Rose Clay, Mackenzie Clay, Braelynn Clay, Bennett Flynn, Bridgette Flynn, and Charlotte DeVits; her dear sister, Joyce Rinaldi and her late husbands Eugene Deschene and Rudy Rinaldi, as well as many other beloved relatives and friends.
She was the loving mother of the late Denise Longo and Andrea Hilse.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, September 25th from 4 pm until 6:30 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. Her Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home at 6:30 pm.
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