Anne Marie Dawson, born March 27, 1943, in Houlton, Maine left her earthly home and was welcomed into her heavenly home on June 15, 2026. Anne Marie was the wife of the late Glen Saunders with whom she shared 22 years of marriage. Following Glen’s passing, she found love again and spent a wonderful 13 years happily married to the late Lawrence (Sam) Dawson.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Elizabeth Carver Alexander, brothers Ralph Alexander and Glen Alexander, sister Ruth Smallwood, sister Mary Lou Rutgers and nephews Bill McDevitt and David Alexander. Anne Marie is survived by her nieces and nephews Mark (Katie) Rutgers, Rachel (Bob) Scroggins, Benjamin (Emily) Rutgers, Jenniffer Boushley, Matthew Rutgers, Sarah Rutgers, Joshua Rutgers, Juni Alexander, Tim (Kryste) Alexander, Dawn (Bryan) Kyle, Jody Alexander, and brother-in-law Glenn Rutgers. She is also survived by many beloved great nieces and nephews.
Anne Marie, a woman of deep and grace-filled faith, was actively involved in the Holland First Assembly of God church from her move from Maine to Michigan in 2008 until she moved to Grand Haven in 2024 where she initiated the start-up of a Bible study with other residents at Robbinswood Assisted Living Facility. She inspired so many with her positive attitude and devotion to the Lord. She participated in life to the full even as Parkinson’s disease slowly took so much from her. No matter what, it couldn’t take her sunny disposition. She loved well, and that love was reciprocated by everyone around her. Before Parkinson’s affected her coordination, she loved to sing and play piano by ear, often playing for church gatherings. She was always up for a game, especially word games like Boggle or Bananagrams, and she lived for weekly BINGO! She will be missed by so many, but we are rejoicing that her body is free of disease and she is able to join so many of those she loved who have gone before her. For those left here on earth yet, we hold to a verse that was so meaningful to her: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Holland First Assembly of God, 1331 East 16th Street in Holland. Pastor Michael Houser will be officiating. Interment will be in Maine where she will be buried next to her husband Glen Saunders.
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider giving to the Holland First Church’s benevolence fund. You may note “In Memory of Anne Marie Dawson.”
Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes – Downtown Chapel.
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