Ann A. Dawson

Ann A. Dawson was the trailblazing creator and driving force behind the launch of the educational Beehive Musical Puppet Theater Company in the mid-1950s.  For decades Beehive Theater toured Connecticut public schools and hospitals such as the Hospital for Special Care, entertaining and teaching school age children about historic events, the marine world, and science, winning numerous awards for her charitable work. She passed away of natural causes in New Britain on May 19 surrounded by her children.  She was 97.

Ann was born in Hartford, CT and raised in New Britain. Her father, James Anthony owned the Cameo restaurant in New Britain. Her mother, Mary Ulysses Anthony, was a union seamstress and homemaker.  Her late husband, Atty James F. Dawson, was the former Mayor of New Britain.  Her late sister, Elsa Erickson was a teacher.  Ann attended local public schools, earned Biology degree from St Joseph College, and a Masters in Education from CCSU.  Her love of science led to a Lab Technician job at Hartford Hospital, a dominant male role at the time and later blossomed as an inspiring high school science teacher.  Her love of the arts and humanities found expression as an accomplished classical pianist, music teacher, docent at the NBMAA, set designer at Repertory Theater, and Board Member of NB Symphony.  She was married at, and a member of St Joseph’s Church in NB. She was a lifelong swimmer, often swimming twice a day in her beloved Eastham on Cape Cod.  She was an avid seashell collector, even teaching a summer course on marine life in the Southington public schools for many years.

Ann is survived by her children Christopher Dawson (Carolyn) of Stamford, CT., James M. Dawson of New Britain, CT., and Denise Lander (Greg) of Saugus, MA.; grandchildren Grace Dawson Ilott (Aaron) of Salt Lake City, UT., Caitlin Dawson Brown (Martin) of Syracuse, NY., Kelsey Dawson of Redondo Beach, CA.; great-granddaughters Natalie and Delaney Brown; step-grandchildren Melanie (Andy) Jacobson, David Hyman-Rabeler (Katrina), Sara Hyman; and step-great-grandchildren Rachel and Noah Jacobson; nieces Lyn McPhail (Jon), Beth Erickson; nephews Jimmy Egan (Beth), Larry Egan (Kathy), Jeff Egan (Darlene), and Bret Egan; step-nieces Kimberly Erickson, and Darcy Erickson.

Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at the Luddy and Peterson Funeral Home, 205 S. Main Street, New Britain, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow next door at St. Joseph’s Church. Interment will proceed to Fairview Cemetery in New Britain.

Share a condolence or special memory of Ann at ww.luddyandpetersonfh.com

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