It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Julia Matilda "Tillie" Dawson of Derby Junction and formerly of Dieppe, who passed away peacefully at Percy’s Place on September 6, 2026, at the age of 102.
Born in Harcourt, NB, she was the daughter of the late James and Julia (Beers) McClary. Tillie was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Cecil Dawson; her son, Brennan; her daughter-in-law, Sally Dawson; and her siblings: Percy (Phyllis) Beers, Lester (Ruby) McClary, Muriel Doak, Windella McClary, James McClary, and Dorothy McClary.
Tillie will be lovingly remembered by her son, Brian (Karen) Dawson, and her eight grandchildren: Ryan Dawson, Nicholas Dawson, Melissa (Justin) Cormier, Seth (Marissa) Dawson, Samantha (Jesse) Melvin, Chelsea (Ben) Houlston, Emily (Dillen) MacCormack, and Hannah Dawson. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Myah, Maycii and Nash Melvin, Xavier and River Dawson, Jaelynn Hare and Aspen Houlston, and Kinley Cormier. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Although Tillie worked as a hairdresser for more than 50 years, the role she cherished most was being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly her favourite people. She took great joy in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their dreams, and simply being part of their lives.
Tillie’s home was always a place where family and friends were welcomed. Her door was open, and her home was filled with people, laughter, kindness, conversation, and, of course, delicious food. She had a wonderful way of making everyone feel at home and cared for.
Tillie lived independently in Dieppe with her sister, Dorothy, well into her late 90’s. Following the death of her son Brennan, the two sisters moved to Miramichi to live with Brian and his family.
Tillie was also well known for her famous "care packages". She loved to send boxes filled with freshly bakes cookies, sweets, and other homemade treats to family and friends. These packages were much more than something sweet to enjoy - they were little expressions of love from Tillie. She was happiest when she was taking care of others, and even as she grew older, she never stopped thinking about the people she loved. Making sure everyone else was looked after was simply who she was.
Tillie will be remembered for her immense love, strength, generosity, and devotion to her family. She supported and encouraged those she loved through life’s many challenges, always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or words of encouragement. As the matriarch of her family, she led by example, showing those around her the importance of being strong, independent, compassionate, and caring.
She was a remarkable woman who lived a long and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue through her family for generations to come. We are incredibly proud to have called her Mom, Nanny, Tillie, sister, aunt, and friend.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Extramural Program, the nursing staff at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, the staff of Percy’s Place, and Dr. Gerard Losier and Dr. Ahmed for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Tillie and her family.
Visitation will be held at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900) on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm only. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus Church, 457 Acadie Avenue, Dieppe, on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11 am. Interment will be at Our Lady of Calvary cemetery in Dieppe. As expressions of sympathy, in memory of Tillie, donations may be made to Percy’s Place or to the Miramichi Food Bank.
Words of comfort and donations may be done at www.frenettefuneralhome.com.