It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Laverne Irene Freund Dawson on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Born to Susan and Albert Freund in Andale, Kansas, on March 9, 1937, Laverne spent her youth on the family farm before attending elementary and junior high in Burns, Kansas. She completed high school at Sacred Heart Academy in Wichita and later graduated from secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska. Her professional journey began at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Department of the Navy from 1956 to 1958.

It was in Washington, D.C., where she met the handsome Chuck (Milford) Dawson, beginning a courtship that would last a lifetime. They were married in 1958 and welcomed their first child, Teresa, in 1959. Shortly after, the family was relocated by the USAF to Crete, Greece, where they continued to grow with the births of Daniel in 1961, Jeannine in 1962, and Susie in 1963. Upon returning to the United States, their family was completed with the arrival of Sheri in 1965.

A devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Laverne led a life rooted in faith and service. Her professional and spiritual contributions were vast, including as the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary’s in League City. She later served as the Director of Catholic Christian Faith Formation at St. Luke’s in Pasadena and as a Spiritual Director at the Christian Renewal Center in Dickinson. Laverne led numerous women’s retreats and provided compassionate spiritual counseling. In retirement in Georgetown, Texas, she continued her ministry by mentoring Catholic college students, Habitat for Humanity, and dedicating ten years to the local and state prison jail ministry.

Beyond her formal ministry, Laverne’s creativity was a vibrant part of her soul. She loved music and played many instruments including the saxophone, accordion, piano, guitar, and dulcimer. She found great joy in painting, arts, and crafts, always sharing her talents with those around her. Laverne truly loved celebration; she believed fun was an essential ingredient of life and especially enjoyed family get togethers that always included playing games. Her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the best listener made her a constant source of comfort and encouragement to everyone she met.

Laverne will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 68 years, Chuck; her children, Teresa, Dan and wife Anna, Jeannine, Susie and husband Mark, and Sheri; her six grandchildren, Hannah and husband Ky. Beka and husband Nathan, Matthew and wife Andrea, Aaron and wife Maddie, Sarah, and Samuel; and her five great-grandchildren, Vivian, Eliza, Gideon, Molly, and Strat. She is also survived by her sisters, Lois Ann, Sister Stella Maris (Jeanette), Sister Joseph (Elaine), Carol, and Margie. She was preceded in death by her siblings Norma Jean, Leon, and Arlen, and her son-in-law Keith. Her legacy of unconditional love will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.

Forever loved, forever missed, and always remembered.

A celebratory mass will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 10am at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 2700 E. University Ave, Georgetown, Texas. 

In honor of Laverne’s love for life, guests are invited to wear any shade of her favorite color, pink.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local food bank, continuing Laverne’s lifelong mission of service to those in need.