Isun Sue Dawson

Isun Sue Dawson

12/30/1943 - 10/20/2022

I Sun (Sue) Dawson of Omaha, NE unexpectedly and suddenly departed this earth on October 20, 2022, leaving an enormous hole in the hearts of her family and friends. She had a few serious health challenges, but still lived each day to the fullest. We never imagined that a severe brain hemorrhage would be the cause of her death. She still had much to live for and much to do.

She was born on December 30, 1943, in Chunlanam-do, South Korea to Chang, Nung Ju and Kim, Yang Rye. She is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Alfred (Al) Dawson Sr of Omaha, NE; her children, Al (Katarzyna) Dawson of Papillion, NE and Albertha (Patrick) Schmid of Omaha, NE; her grandchildren, Aaron, Aiden and Amara Dawson of Papillion, NE; a daughter from another mother, Aleksandra Tallier of Decorah, IA and her children, Anna, Alina and William Tallier; her close in-laws, Maria and Wieslaw Swiostek of Omaha, NE; several family and friends (including close friends Wanee Auville and Darling Warnke of Grand Forks, ND); and last, but not least, her precious Yorkies- Dakota, Rose and Mi-Na. She and Al would have celebrated their wedding anniversary on October 31^st.

Family was extremely important to her and was her top priority. Bloodlines did not matter, as family was more than that. Everything she did was to ensure that life was a little bit easier and better for them. When her husband, whom she loving called “Yobo” was transferred to Grand Forks AFB in 1973, she left behind the only country she had ever known. She knew very little English and had to adapt to a new culture with two small children in tow. She worked hard to provide not only for her immediate family, but also to help take care of her family back in South Korea. She would send money back so that they would have the basic necessities and she continued this up until she was close to retirement.

She grew up extremely poor and remembered days when her family had no shoes and very little food. During the Japanese occupation, her father was sent to Japan to work and life was difficult for her and her family. They didn’t know if they would ever see him again. She always remembered what it was like to have nothing, so she was kindhearted and generous.

She exceled in the United States, becoming an American citizen on April 26, 1977.  She was proud to be an American!

As a result of her hard-working ethics and high standards, she became a dining facility  supervisor and finally retired after working for over 45 years. She always felt her lack of education was her shortcoming, but she accomplished so much more with what she did have.

She only had a grade school education, but she was one of the brightest people there was. She was forced to stop school to help her family and also sacrificed her education so that her brothers could go to school. Because of this, she was a strong advocate for education and pushed her children hard, as she saw it as a way out of poverty and a chance for a successful life.

In July of 2018, she and Al moved to Omaha to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She quickly transformed the new house into a home and made all who entered feel welcome. The kitchen was designed for her and that was her favorite place. She would be busy preparing a dish, tending to her bouquet of flowers, or watching a show. She especially loved historical Korean dramas and General Hospital (the first American soap opera she watched when she came to the States).

She was an excellent cook who didn’t use a measuring cup or spoon and always prepared more than what was needed. When the family entertained, she made sure there was an abundance of food,  as running out was her biggest fear. She was a phenomenal entertainer and all who had the good fortune of being around her will remember this about her.

She enjoyed getting to know the Schmid side of the family and was delighted when a family member came by to visit or stay for a few days.

She had an incredible green thumb or two. She loved flowers and plants and spent numerous hours tending to them both inside and outside of the house. She would always eagerly show others the latest bloom, beaming with pride.

She was extremely creative, patient, funny, driven, and a great problem solver. She could look at something and figure out a way to make it work. She loved bright colors and funky looking socks. She had a hard time relaxing and was always buzzing here and there, doing something. She also had an amazing and contagious laugh.

She was proud of her Korean heritage and ensured that her children and grandchildren embraced it. She was “Umma” to her children and “Yobo” to her husband. She kept many of the celebratory traditions alive and shared what was passed down to her. However, things will never be the same as SHE was the significant piece. 

She leaves behind permanent handprints on the hearts of everyone she touched and an enduring legacy full of love and inspiration. She was one in a million from amongst the stars. And even though she is dearly missed, all who knew her are beyond grateful to have had her in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.

Visitation Wednesday 10 -11 AM with Funeral Service 11:00 AM Wednesday (10/26/22) at Roeder Mortuary Gretna Chapel. Burial Wednesday 1:00 PM at Omaha National Cemetery.

Roeder Mortuary

11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com