Mary Lenore Dawson, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 peacefully at home in Hampton New Jersey.  She was 78.

Mary was born January 18, 1946 she was born and raised in Parsippany, New Jersey and was a Parsippany, High School graduate of the class of 1964.  She was employed at Summit Express in New Providence, NJ as an administrative assistant and dispatcher for close to three decades.  She truly enjoyed her time working there and had an amazing boss.

Mary was predeceased by her parent Dorothy and Harry Van Houten.  She is survived by her four children Denise Northup and husband Craig Northup of Dunellen NJ, Sandra Dawson and Fiancé Jerry Ference of Hampton NJ, William Dawson Jr. of Hampton NJ, and Harry Dawson of Washington NJ.  She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Heather Bear of Phillipsburg NJ, Thomas Gilmartin of great meadows NJ, Timothy Gilmartin of Farmville VA, Logan Dawson of Washington NJ, and Cassidy Dawson of Washington NJ.  As well as her six great grandchildren, Nicolas Bear of Bound Brook NJ, Joseph Bear of Bound Brook NJ, Shane O’Brien of Phillipsburg NJ, Patrick O’ Brien of Phillipsburg NJ Sean Gilmartin of great meadows NJ and Ian Gilmartin of Great Meadows NJ, and soon to be great-great granddaughter Arana Lee O’Brien (Shane O’Brien and Kaylee Hoods child).

Mary is also survived bu her siblings Elizabeth Van Houten of Hackettstown NJ, Melody Scudder of Greensboro NC, Laurence Van Houten of Muscatine IA, and Melinda Van Houten of Greensboro NC.

Mary was a kind hearted, wonderful woman who was beloved by many.  She was a proud and loving mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and soon to be great-great Grandmother; who always put her family first in life.  She loved watching her crime shows, enjoyed online gaming, and spending time with her family and her dog Dottie.  Mary will be missed but not forgotten.  There will be a memorial celebration of life at a later date.