Dawn Elizabeth (House) Sisson, died March 29, 2007, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with osteosarcoma. She was 48.
Born in Washington, DC, Dawn relocated with her family to Little Compton in 1971 where she attended the Wilbur and McMahon School and Portsmouth High School; graduating in 1976. She obtained a B.A. and a Master’s Degree in Education from Rhode Island College, graduating Cum Laude with highest honors.
Throughout her 26 year career as a special education teacher and reading specialist in the Portsmouth School system, Dawn’s passion and advocacy for children was evident. She reluctantly retired in 2006, but continued working with her cherished students at home. As a member of the Parent Student Teacher Association, Dawn organized many cultural enrichment events. The first recipient of the PST Volunteer of the Year Award, she also received the Newport County Regional Special Education Recognition Award from the Parents Advisory Committee. Dawn served as a Deacon at the United Congregational Church in Little Compton and was a member of the Little Compton Community Center Board of Directors.
In addition to the deep love she had for her family, Dawn adored her home, gardens and the accelerator pedal of her Suburban. She loved her cell phone and often said a day was not complete unless she had three social events scheduled. She enjoyed spending summer days at the beach with her multitude of friends planning the next social event and sailing the Westport River with her children. She took great pleasure in her peaceful mornings combing the Sakonnet shores for sea glass. During her few quiet moments she was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting and was an accomplished needle pointer. Above all, Dawn was deeply committed and devoted to her family.
Dawn in survived by he beloved husband, Richard L. Sisson, Jr. Dawn and Ricky celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last year but they have been partners since junior high school. She is also survived by a daughter, Emily E. Sisson and two sons, Richard L. Sisson III and Andrew V. Sisson, all of Little Compton; a sister: Jane Gavin of Little Compton and two brothers: John Wolford, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA and Richard E. Wolford, of McLean, VA. She is the daughter of the late Betty (Tripp) House and the late Vernon E. House. She also leaves many beloved relatives and friends.
Services to which relatives and friends are invited will be Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the Little Compton Congregational Church on the Commons at 10:30 A.M.
Calling hours are respectfully omitted.
Interment in Union Cemetery, Little Compton, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Massachusetts General Marathon Run and sent to: Donna Silva , Massachusetts General Hospital, Hematology-Oncology, Yawkey 7, Boston, MA 02114.