Helen Zebley Dawson

Helen Zebley Dawson, 85, passed away on April 2, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. Born in Wilmington, DE, to Edward and Bessie Zebley, Helen was raised on a dairy farm with her 4 siblings in Beaver Valley. She graduated from P.S. Dupont High School in 1949 and went on to earn her Bachelors degree in Home Economics from the University of Delaware in 1953. Helen and Fred T. Dawson married in June, 1953. They shared 63 years of marriage. Beginning their married life in Aiken, SC, Helen taught home economics and general science at Aiken High School, and then they returned to Delaware to raise their four children. Living in Corner Ketch, she returned to work as an information specialist in the Engineering Department for the DuPont Company. Helen was an accomplished pianist and artist, studying art under Edward Loper and Geraldine McKeown, and most recently at the Newark Senior Center. She recently received an honorable mention at a regional show. An avid reader, she also wrote children’s short stories – several of them being published. Helen loved spending time at the beach and later in life became an expert genealogist for the Zebley family. Helen will be best remembered for her quick wit and the ability to make light of any situation. Her greatest gifts to her four children were offering them intellectual freedom, creativity, and independence. Helen is survived by her husband, Fred; sister, Marian; and four children: Ted (JoAnn) of North East, MD, Lynn (Rudy) of Granite Falls, NC, Patty (Wolfgang) of St. Thomas Island, and Dan (Anita) of Downingtown, PA. 7 grandchildren: Zach, Nick, Clint, Ross, Kurt, Max, and Morgan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Elizabeth; brothers, Tom and Ralph; and grandson, Alex. A visitation will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 from 10-11 AM at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE followed by a memorial service 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Planned Parenthood at www.plannedparenthood.org or Delaware Hospice at delawarehospice.org.. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com

Helen Zebley Dawson

October 21, 1931 - April 2, 2017

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