Obituary: Rosemary (nee Noonan) Dawdy

Rosemary (nee Noonan) Dawdy of Youngstown passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 94. Rosemary was born Feb. 15, 1931, in Niagara Falls, to Kathleen (Tough) and Carl Noonan. Rosemary's early life was spent in Niagara Falls, and the family's summer home in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.

Rosemary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, and is survived by her grandson, Hunter Hamilton, who she lovingly cared for as sole guardian since 2023; her brother, Howard (Karen) Noonan; nephews Robert (Tatiana) Atkinson, Patrick (Jackie) Noonan, Timothy (Carol) Noonan, Gareth (Fiona) Noonan and Michael Noonan; and nieces Shelly (Thomas) McDonald, Kathyanne (Bechara) Noonan, Phyllis Ann (Lloyd) Lapp, Alison (Daniel) Hayes and Laurie Noonan. There are also 13 grand-nephews and -nieces, and eight great-nephews and -nieces. Rosemary is also survived by special friends Anthony Rizzo, Colleen Mary Summerville and Maria Patterson.

In addition to her parents, Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband, Keith Hamilton Dawdy; by her daughter, Cynthia Lee Dawdy; by brothers Carl (Carol) Noonan and James (Phyllis) Noonan; by a sister Alice (Robert) Atkinson; and special friend and neighbor Jeannine Doyle.

Rosemary attended Niagara Falls High School and, after graduation, attended the University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida) graduating with a Bachelor of Science. Upon her return to Niagara County, Rosemary married Keith Dawdy. They raised their beautiful daughter, Cynthia.

Rosemary graduated with a degree in nursing from Niagara County Community College (SUNY Niagara). After nursing school, Rosemary became a school nurse for Lewiston-Porter Central School District, and maintained that position until she retired, and then returned as a school nurse for the Niagara Falls School District until she retired (again) at the age of 90 years old.

Rosemary's interests were many, and included sailing and cruising to various ports with her husband, Keith, traveling with her daughter, Cynthia, to Europe, and she especially remembered the three times she traveled cross country with her daughter, Cynthia, traveling along back roads, fly fishing, and having a marvelous time with lots of laughter. They also traveled to Europe going to Scotland and Ireland, and stayed three months in Bath with her daughter and grandson. Rosemary's travel also included a trip to Italy with her family. Rosemary loved floral arranging, and decorated for big events held at such places as Fort Niagara and the Youngstown Yacht Club.

Rosemary’s volunteer activities were numerous and included the Niagara Falls Service League – a prestigious group of young women who assisted Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, and was also a member of the hospital's Women's Auxiliary League. Rosemary was a deacon at Lewiston Presbyterian Church, and was a current member of Youngstown Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her volunteer activities, Rosemary was a long-standing member of the Youngstown Yacht Club. She was one of the first women to serve on the board of directors and instrumental in the founding of the first women's Youngstown Yacht Club Auxiliary (YYCA), serving as president for two terms. She initiated a fundraising program to benefit the club through the sale of clothing affixed with the YYC logo, selling clothing for regattas and to members who were displayed in a glass case named in her husband Keith’s honor. Through the YYCA, Rosemary raised funds for the club to purchase the chandler, which hangs in the club entrance, all carpeting, and other improvements to the Youngstown Yacht Club. She was co-chair of the Up the Lazy River Tour benefitting the American Cancer Society; and founding member of the Jack Beatty Hospice Regatta, where she assisted in fundraising. Rosemary was also a member of the Youngstown Garden Club.

Rosemary is remembered fondly by her family, friends, and those who received her care as a nurse. She will be sorely missed by many in her community, especially those who gained by her wisdom, great conversation, and friendship.

A memorial service will be held in August of 2025 at Youngstown Presbyterian Church, and notice will be published at that time. Hardison Funeral Home in Lewiston has been extremely helpful with making arrangements, and they have our gratitude.

Fir winds and following seas dear Rosemary. …

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