Helen Marie (Worobay) Dawson

ASHLAND, Wis. - Helen Marie (Worobay) Dawson, 81, of Ashland, passed away with her loving family by her side, after a courageous fight with a long illness on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland.

She was born Aug. 1, 1933, in Ashland, the daughter of Mike and Valeria (Janowski) Worobay.

Helen was a lifelong resident of Ashland. She graduated from eighth grade at Holy Family Catholic School, then graduated from De Padua High School in 1952. She married Richard N. Dawson on July 26, 1952, in Ashland. He preceded her in death in 1975.

As a young widow with five young children at home, with no money or help, she began working night shifts as a nurses aide at St. Joseph's Hospital, MMC and Court Manor Nursing Home. She continued working as a nurses aide until her retirement in the early 1990s. Because of Helen's selfless actions to go without she made sure all of her children had enough food, clothes and a great place to live.

Following her retirement, Helen enjoyed taking long walks, being with family, going to casinos and concerts, listening to music and watching the Packers. She will be deeply missed by everyone.

She is survived by her five children, Dick Dawson, of Ashland, Deb Mayer, of Hudson, David Dawson, of Ashland, Danny Dawson, of Ashland, and Donna Dawson, of Ashland; grandson, Mike (Kate) Mayer, of Chicago; and half-sister, Eleanor Kwiotkowkski, of Superior.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at Frost Home for Funerals of Ashland with Father Ed McKenzie officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Agnes Cemetery in Ashland.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday. A reception will be held at the Our Lady of the Lake Social Hall following the burial.

Frost Home for Funerals of Ashland is assisting the family. To view the obituary online or sign the guestbook, please visit us at bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.