Mary Catherine “Cathy” Dawson was a true original. Effortlessly minimalistic, fit and healthy, loving and unapologetically herself.
She loved to help people. She was known for her generosity and hospitality. She took in all kinds of people and animals. Her home was a haven to many who needed it along the way. She tutored, took care of the sick, provided bikes for children and provided experiences of all kinds for many children and families.
She loved her family. She was always there to listen and support both emotionally and practically. She loved to attend the events and games of her grandchildren and to go places with them. She especially loved to take her children and grandchildren to the Indianapolis Zoo, Children's museum, Cocoa Beach Florida and anything out doors.
She loved to be with her bike club and enjoyed her rides with them to the fullest. She liked to exercise at the YMCA and walk the neighbor’s dog, Tucker. She always said, “when you stop moving, you get old.”
She loved the land. She loved her flowers and plants. She loved her gardens and she loved farming with Dawson Farms for 33 years.
She loved her spiritual group where she found love and support.
She had a pure spirit. Slow to anger and quick to forgive. Trusting to a fault. Hard to offend. She will be missed by many in many different ways. We will miss you mom, grandma and friend.
Cathy Video____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cathy was born in Weirton, West Virginia on February 27, 1948 to John and Grace Copitka.
She attended and received her Masters Degree from Ohio State University in 1970. She coached gymnastics at Columbus Ohio Parks and Recreation department and then moved to Greensburg where she coached gymnastics at the Greensburg YMCA. She also volunteered as a track coach for South Decatur High School and the White River Park Games.
From 1990 to 1991, Cathy planted over 6000 trees on land that she and her husband owned. In 1993 she was honored as Conservation Farmer of the Year in Decatur County and Area 5 for the state of Indiana. She also served on the Decatur County Soil and Water Board.
Cathy is survived by her three children; daughters, Becky Greenlee and Susan Thackery and son, Steven Dawson. She is also survived by her sister, Wendy Jenkins; nine grandchildren, Jordan Hickam, Rodney Ford, Cameron Whited, Ethan Thackery, Erica Thackery, Trey Greenlee, Scarlett Dawson, R.J. Greenlee and Janae Greenlee, and ex-husband; Rob Dawson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; John and Grace Copitka and brother; Johnny Copitka.
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We will be gathering for a celebration of her life on July 5 at 5pm under the Pagoda in Garfield Park, Indianapolis.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers or donations that you consider donating blood or making a contribution to the Indiana Blood Center. Cathy was a routine blood donor.
Memorial Service
Memorial Service 2