Dominican Sister of Peace Amata Dawson (Marie Anna Ida) (96) died at the Mohun Health Care Center in Columbus, OH, on December 16, 2019.

The only daughter of Carolina Reed and Henry Dawson, Sr. Amata was born in Philadelphia, PA. She worked as a billing clerk before entering the Congregation in 1948, and was faithful to her calling to God and God’s people for more than 68 years.

Sr. Amata earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Marywood College in Scranton, PA. She earned certificates in Spiritual Direction from the Shalem Institute in Washington, DC; Theology from Temple University in Philadelphia, and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Providence College. She also studied at the University of Montreal.

Sr. Amata was devoted to her long and varied ministry throughout her religious life. She served her Community at Congregational retreat houses in New Mexico, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Mexico. She was  named Local Superior of the Media, PA, Motherhouse, served as Vocation Director and Candidate Director, and was elected President from 1972 to 1978 and 1986 to 1990.

Sr. Amata was also part of the Dominican Sisters Urban Activity in Washington, where she helped learners earn their GED and acted as a substitute teacher in the public school system. She continued her work with young people serving in campus ministry at the University of New Mexico.

Sr. Amata was always open to wherever the Holy Spirit would take her. She found centering prayer to be a deeply contemplative and fulfilling experience, and often prayed with her arms raised and hands open as though waiting for the blessings of God to come to her. Even when she lost the power of speech, Sr. Amata continued to preach peace through her loving ways and kind smiles.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry Dawson and Caroline Reid Dawson, and a brother, Edward Dawson.

A Vigil of Remembrance Service was held at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel, Columbus, Ohio on December 19, 2019. The funeral liturgy will be held at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel on December 19. Burial will take place at a later date in Cheltenham, PA.

Memorial gifts in Sr. Amata’s memory may be sent to:

Dominican Sisters of Peace
Office of Mission Advancement
2320 Airport Dr. Columbus
OH 43219

or submitted securely on the Congregation’s website.

To download or print a copy of this memorial, please click here.