Dawn S. Woodhouse

Dawn Sonia (Meyer) Woodhouse, age 75, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Friday, December 20. Dawn was born in Aukland, New Zealand on October 24, 1944. She came to the United States with her mother as a girl and spent her childhood in the Dubuque, IA area.

In 1963, she met and married Robert L. Woodhouse of Epworth, IA. Together, they raised three children: Alicia, Brad, and Rachel. The couple enjoyed golf, travel, bowling, and card club with friends. In her semi-retirement, Dawn became an avid quilter and prioritized mentoring students at Prescott Elementary each year as a way of honoring her grandchildren.

From the age of 17 Dawn worked in publishing and always took great pride in her work and career. More recently she worked in human resources and truly enjoyed making new relationships as well as passing on a lifetime of professional experiences to her younger coworkers. Though she had been semi-retired for many years working remained central to her until the end.

Traveling to see her four grandchildren remained her top priority. These visits were a source of great strength and reward during her 15 month fight against cancer. Mom fought tenaciously against the disease that took her life and refused to give up until she herself was ready. She never once lost her unique sense of humor.

Dawn is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Bob Woodhouse; children Alicia (Eddie) Hicks, of Dallas, TX; Brad (Tammy Burns) Woodhouse of Minneapolis, MN; and Rachel (Zachary Stanesa) Woodhouse of Boston, MA. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Olivia Hicks, Mike Woodhouse, Maren Woodhouse, and Nate Stanesa. She will be missed and mourned by siblings Pat (Susan) O’Brien, Raewai (Jim) Reilly, Shane (Lorraine) O’Brien, and Paula (Malcolm) Fortson as well as nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

At mom’s request, a memorial reception will be held for family and friends from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December, 29, 2019 at Timmerman’s Supper Club, 7777 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque, Illinois. 

Mom collected unique rocks wherever she went, bringing them home as memories of her travels. She often held one in her hand during treatment. We invite visitors to bring a rock from their homes with them to share with the family and continue her tradition.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dawn’s name to the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools to be used for Prescott’s Mentoring Program.

Online condolences may be shared with Dawn’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Finally, Dawn’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Grand River Medical. We could not have asked for better care.

Celebration of Life

Timmerman's Supper Club
7777 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque, Illinois, 61025
December 29th, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

5 comments on “Dawn S. Woodhouse
  1. David and Sheila (Bemis) Pitts says:

    We do not have a current address for Bob & Dawn. Please accept our sympathy on Dawn’s passing. I (Sheila) remember fun times boating on the river with her and the O’Brien family when I was a teenager. Have lost track of the family over the years. Keeping you all in thought and prayer and hoping fond memories put a smile on your sad heart.

  2. judy Welp says:

    Dawn was my supervisor/friend for 19 years when we worked in publishing together. I have many memories that make me smile when I think of her. Though our lives took us in different directions I have never forgotten her.
    My deepest sympathy to each of you.

  3. Heikki Merimaa says:

    I’m very sorry for your loss.
    My condolences

  4. Dennis Foreman says:

    Bob and family we just got the news of Dawn’s passing. We send our deepest sympathy and prayers for you during this time. We will continue to pray for you. Bob I don’t write well and I will follow up with a call.

    denny, sandy and loyal

  5. Melissa McCullough says:

    Rachel and family-
    I am so glad that we got to meet your wonderful mother. We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was an amazing woman. We love you and are thinking of you and yours.

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