AUBURN – Sharon J. Dawson, 61, of Rumford, died on Friday, June 20, with her loving family and friends at her side, after a long battle with cancer.

She was born in Rumford, on Nov. 19, 1946, the daughter of Norman and Peg (Philbrick) DeRoche. She graduated from Stephens High School, Class of 1965, and then attended the University of Maine, majoring in psychology.

She worked in the mental health field for 15 years, and also enjoyed substitute teaching and working with children of all ages.

She loved skiing, boating, Sunday barbeques, crafts, and most of all, spending time with her family.

She had fond memories of her childhood and often mentioned neighborhood friends, “Twinky, Mickey, Barry and Cindy.”

Surviving are her parents, Peg and Norman DeRoche of Rumford; two children, Eric Dawson and wife, Christine, of Michigan, and Jen (Dawson) Ross and her husband, John, of Massachusetts; two brothers, James and wife, Karen, of North Monmouth and Glen of Rumford; four beautiful grandchildren, Alec, Ashley, Austen and Becca; and many wonderful and loyal friends.

Her family would like to offer a special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn.