Catherine Swanson Dawson

Cathie Dawson passed away in the early hours of December 31st, joining her husband of 58 years, Hanley Dawson III, to ring in the New Year. When her college friends heard of her passing, they remarked, “It is no surprise, as Hanley and Swanee were joined at the hip from the first weekend of college freshman year.” Cathie passed peacefully at her home in Sun Valley, Idaho, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and wonderful caregivers.

Catherine Swanson Dawson was born on January 30, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa. She attended Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado, and met her husband, Hanley Dawson III, while attending Regis College. They first crossed paths at a mixer, early their freshman year. After graduating in 1965, they married that summer. Following a short stay in Detroit, the couple moved to Chicago in 1971, when Hanley had the opportunity to open Hanley Dawson Cadillac with his father, Hanley Dawson Jr. Cathie, intelligent, practical, savvy, and a guiding force, was pivotal in supporting Hanley’s professional success.

The family settled in Wilmette, Illinois, where they spent nearly 40 years and raised their four children. While Cathie and Hanley maintained an active social life, Cathie’s primary focus was always her family—creating a home filled with stability, love, joy, and fun. The revolving door of friends and family was always open, and they were cherished parishioners of Saints Faith Hope and Charity Church, in Winnetka, Illinois, where they forged lifelong friendships that continue to thrive through their children and grandchildren.

During their time in college, Cathie and Hanley often spent weekends skiing at Vail and Copper Mountain, fostering their lifelong love for the outdoors. In the early 1970s, Sun Valley, Idaho, became their second home. It was here, where they enjoyed a range of outdoor adventures in both winter and summer. Their home became a gathering place for family, friends, and friends of friends, offering a full kitchen, where Cathie spent most of her time, plenty of beds, and an atmosphere of fun and family.

Cathie and Hanley were deeply committed to their Catholic faith and the Jesuit order was especially significant to them. They were actively involved at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, where their two sons and five grandchildren attended high school. In Sun Valley, Cathie and Hanley contributed their time and resources to the St. Luke’s Wood River Hospital Foundation, the Hunger Coalition, and the renovation of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.

Cathie is survived by her children, Megan Edwards (Chris), Hanley IV (Bridget), Liz Prior, and Patrick (Tami); her grandchildren, Alex, Emilie, Duke, Sarah, Charlie, Mimi, and Alton; her sister, Sandy Lichtenwalter (Homer); and her nephews, Homer, Chris, and Brian.

A Catholic Mass and reception will be held at Our Lady of the Snows on Monday, January 13th, at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

· St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation: www.slwrf.org

· Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley: www.hpcwrv.org