Terri Ann Dawson

Terri Ann Dawson (Kennedy) passed away on Saturday Nov 27, 2021 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford with her husband and family by her side. Terri was born on Dec 31, 1957 in Dixon and quickly became the classic over-achieving first born. Always a straight A student, Terri did everything with intention and determination. After graduating from Dixon High School in 1976, she attended Illinois State University with her best friend Tami Rich (Goral). Terri and Tami quickly signed up for an exchange semester adventure at the University of South Florida Tampa. This is where she was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 18. After then finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Terri went on to have a successful career at Canon USA, MCI and then Calcitek in the Chicago area. On June 12, 1978 Terry Dawson set eyes on Terri at the Trailside in Dixon and knew immediately that he would marry her one day. Finally in 1993, after years of close friendship, Terri and Terry became an official couple and eloped to Arizona on Mar 2, 2000. Their very first romantic getaway together was to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and from that moment on Terry took care of Terri’s every need. Her family will be forever grateful. Despite the incredible medical challenges Terri faced during her 45-year battle with T1D, she always served her family, friends, and community with a generous spirit and loving heart. For years, Terri volunteered for Sauk Valley Community College’s Project V.I.T.A.L. where she tutored adults towards earning their GED and improving overall literacy. Terri was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Terri was the very grateful recipient of two separate kidney/pancreas transplants via organ donation in 2004 and 2009. Most notably, Terri spent her years being the dearest confidant to all of those in her fiercely loyal group of friends and family. She was a second mother, aunt, and sister to many and despite having plenty of problems of her own, Terri listened intently and gave support and advice generously. Terri is survived by her loving husband Terry Dawson, brother Patrick Kennedy of Dixon, sisters Cathy (Jim) Jecklin, of Dixon, Julie (Mike Carlberg) Kennedy of Fishers, Indiana, nephews Jake Jecklin (Chrissy) of Clarksville, TN, Mitch Jecklin of Fayetteville, NC, Kellen Kennedy of Boulder, Colorado and Brooke Kennedy of Fort Collins, Colorado. Terri was preceded in death by her parents Barbara Kennedy (Huggins) and John W. Kennedy both of Dixon. A celebration of Terri’s life will be held Saturday May 14, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at 107 W 1st St, Dixon, IL (next to Salamandra Restaurant). In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you make a donation in her honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at www2.jdrf.org. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.

Terri Ann Dawson

December 31, 1957 - November 27, 2021