Mary Catherine ‘Cathy’ Dawson

Mary Catherine “Cathy” Dawson passed away Monday, July 1, 2019.

Cathy was the mother of long-time Putnam County resident and Deer Meadow counselor Becky Greenlee.

Cathy was born in Weirton, W.Va. on Feb. 27, 1948 to John and Grace Copitka.

She attended and received her masters degree from Ohio State University in 1970. She coached gymnastics at Columbus Ohio Parks and Recreation department and then moved to Greensburg, where she coached gymnastics at the Greensburg YMCA. She also volunteered as a track coach for South Decatur High School and the White River Park Games.

From 1990 to 1991, Cathy planted more than 6,000 trees on land that she and her husband owned. In 1993 she was honored as Conservation Farmer of the Year in Decatur County and Area 5 for the state of Indiana. She also served on the Decatur County Soil and Water Board.

Cathy is survived by her three children, daughters Becky Greenlee and Susan Thackery and son Steven Dawson; sister Wendy Jenkins; nine grandchildren, Jordan Hickam, Rodney Ford, Cameron Whited, Ethan Thackery, Erica Thackery, Trey Greenlee, Scarlett Dawson, R.J. Greenlee and Janae Greenlee; and ex-husband Rob Dawson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; John and Grace Copitka and brother; Johnny Copitka.

Family & friends are invited for a celebration of her life at 5 p.m. on Friday July 5 under the pagoda in Garfield Park, Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers or donations please consider donating blood or making a contribution to the Indiana Blood Center in Cathy’s honor.