Nancy Lee Dawe

Nancy Lee Dawe, 89, passed away peacefully at 11:02 a.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, surrounded by her five children.

Nancy was born on May 28, 1932 in Saginaw, MI, to the late Edward and Louise (Moore) Ohler.  In 1957 she married her true love, Central High rival Richard Eugene “Dick” Dawe, who preceded her in death in 1988.

Nancy was a longtime member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church and more recently attended Shawnee United Methodist.  Unwavering faith in God carried her through life’s challenges, and she and Dick instilled this faith in their children.  She graduated from South High School as well as The Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in Social Administration and was active in Phi Mu sorority. She played in the Ohio State Activities band and fed her love of music throughout life by playing the piano and organ.  Her passion for education was shared with her children and as teacher and principal at Marimor School.

Nancy was an active volunteer in the Lima community, including at St. Rita’s Medical Center and Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.  She and Dick made lifelong friends as members of Westside Swim and Racquet Club, enjoying many summers of tennis and bridge. As an avid Ohio State fan, she held Ohio State football tickets for 70 years and rarely missed an Ohio State sporting event on TV.  Her vivacious personality, as evidenced by her brightly colorful sense of style, attracted friends and amused family, and her competitive spirit wasn’t tempered whether rooting for family or vying against them.

Holding fast to her beliefs, defending those she loved and giving of herself willingly, Nancy thoroughly enjoyed life with family and cherished friends.

She is survived by her children: Timothy Dawe of Lima, Daniel Dawe of Delphos, Lisa Meere of St. Helens, OR, Susan (Lee) Oliver of Milford, OH and Joel Dawe of Huntington Beach, CA; three grandchildren, Nils Meere, Ashley Abbott and Joseph Abbott; and brother, Joseph (Carolyn) Ohler of Marysville, OH.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio.  A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m.  Pastor Samuel Payne will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.  Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.