Penelope Lea Gatrell Dawson

Mrs. Penelope Lea (Gatrell) Dawson died peacefully at her residence on October 25, 2026.

Born in California in 1946 to Dr A. Stephen & Winifred Gatrell. The oldest of their four daughters, from Alaska to Florida, from Virginia to Guam, she lived and traveled the world with her military family, but home was always Lost Creek, W Va.

Mrs. Dawson graduated from West Virginia University, School of Nursing and immediately began a career serving others. Even after retiring from Norton South Health Corp in Alaska, she went on to serve as a hospice nurse in North Carolina. And finally as a school nurse with Danville City at Woodberry Hills Elementary, where she truly believed no child should ever do without.

Married to Francis Dawson in 1967, except for his time in Vietnam, they were never separated for 57 years, until his death in 2024. She is survived by her son, Matthew, and daughter-in-law, Christie, of the residence. She is pre-deceased by her parents and one sister (Priscilla) and survived by two (Pat & Prudence) along with numerous cousins and more nieces and nephews than she could count.

A wake / memorial service will be held at her residence on November 21. She will be interred with her husband in Lost Creek, West Virginia at a later date.

In leu of flowers or gifts, the family would ask to please donate to your local SPCA or women’s shelter.

Cremation Society of Virginia is honored to care for the Dawson Family.