Esther Therien Dawson

Esther Therien Dawson -- Roanoke, Va.Esther Therien Dawson, 89, of Roanoke, Va., died on Tuesday evening (Jan. 6, 2009). Mom was born on Oct. 8, 1919, in Beaverville, a daughter of Lillian Lefeave Curby and Art Curby, both of French Canadian descent and stewards of the Illinois farmlands. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband of 27 years, Edward E. Therien; her second husband, Donald F. Dawson; and her brother, Burnell Curby.She was an interior decorator with Ethan Allan for several years before embarking to California on a new passage in life. Her second marriage of 21 years ended with the death of Don, and life brought her to the mountains of Virginia in 2005. She fought valiantly and defiantly as the then unknown cancer compromised her strengths for three years. Esther passed through many stages of life during her years in Virginia. She faced them with dignity and pride and her unique sense of determination.Esther is survived by her children, Jan Therien of Roanoke, Carolyn Schleifer and husband, Fred, of Roanoke, John Therien and wife, Maria, of Wilmington, N.C., and Jim Therien and wife, Carol, of Danville, Calif.; her grandchildren, Stephanie Candelario and husband, Lt. Col. Joseph Candelario (U.S. Army) of Sanford, N.C., David Schleifer and wife, Tara, of Haymarket, Va., Luke, Julie and Claire Therien of Danville, Calif.; her great-grandchildren, Ethan, Elise and Evan Candelario and Isaac Schleifer; her brother, Clayton Curby and wife, Clara, of Port Charlotte, Fla.; her special sister-in-law, Pat Bennett and husband, James, of Beavercreek, Ohio; her brother-in-law, Gilbert Therien and wife, Linda, of El Cajon, Calif.; one niece and three nephews.The family would like to thank Ann LeDe and her staff, Dr. Craig Mitchell, Dr. John Gaylord and Good Samaritan Hospice for all their tender care, love and compassion.A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Christ Episcopal Church, Franklin Road, with the Rev. Deborah Hentz-Hunley and the Rev. Stephen Stanley officiating. Esther will be returned to her homeland in St. Anne. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at First Presbyterian Church in St. Anne. The Rev. Lori Keller-Schroeder will officiate. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in St. Anne Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Good Samaritan Hospice in Esther's honor. Clancy-Gernon-Houk Funeral Home, St. Anne, is in charge of local arrangements.

Esther Therien Dawson

October 8, 1919 - January 6, 2009