Mary "Dawn" (Farrel) Dittoe, 92, formerly of Soudersburg, PA went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Dawn was born in Lancaster on January 18, 1933, daughter of the late  Enos and Maude Lichty Farrel. They moved to Soudersburg for 39 years before moving to Greenfield Estates.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Sgt. John B. Dittoe, Jr., USMC, her sister, Gladys Ferrari Dohrer, her nephew, Frank Ferrari and his wife, Susan (Welty) Ferrari, and her son, Thomas A. Dittoe, Esq. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Carol (Kulakowsky) Dittoe, her granddaughter Jessica Dittoe, her niece Carol (Ferrari) Schramm (Arkansas), wife of Ted, nephews Philip (Pat) Ferrari (Florida) and David (Patti) Ferrari (Georgia), and many cousins.  Dawn graduated from East Lampeter High School in 1950. She graduated from the Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953 as an RN. She earned her Bachelor's in Nursing from Millersville University in 1971 and a Master's in Nursing from Temple University in 1981.  Dawn began her nursing career at the Fredericksburg VA Hospital, January – September 1954, when her husband was stationed. After his death in 1955, she returned to Lancaster, where she started her career at Lancaster General Hospital (LGH), working there from February 1956 to April 1994. She began as a staff nurse for fifteen years before becoming an Instructor in LGH School of Nursing for nine years. She then worked as a night supervisor for 1½ years before becoming the Coordinator Ancillary Personnel for 1½ years. For the final eleven years of her career, Dawn was the Education Coordinator for the Nursing Department. After her retirement, she volunteered at the hospital's gift shop.  While Dawn was a dedicated nurse and educator, she also enjoyed many things in her spare time. She loved to travel, and went on trips to Europe, Japan, Hawaii, and other places with friends. She also spent a month in Hawaii yearly with her sister. A favorite local vacation spot was Stone Harbor, where she and family members spent many fun times in the summers, especially Tom, Carol, and Jessica. Spending time with her niece and nephews at their homes was always a special time for Dawn, too.  Playing Bingo at the Paradise Fire Hall on a regular basis was always a fun time for Dawn. She also played cards and dominoes with a group of friends every month. They were a dedicated bunch, and rarely missed a date!  Dawn was an active, lifetime member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Paradise. She served on the former St. John's Preschool board as the treasurer, as well as volunteered weekly in the church office. Dawn also served as the church librarian for many years.  Dawn was a LGH School of Nursing Alum, and a member of the Pennsylvania Nurses Association, where she served on the Board of Directors and was the Treasurer of the local district. She was a member of the National League for Nursing, serving on the Board for Accreditation of Diploma Schools. She was active in the East Lampeter Alumni Association as well as the Strasburg Senior Citizens group.  A traditional burial will take place privately at the convenience of the family.

There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on June 28 at St. John's United Methodist Church, 3001 Lincoln Highway East, Gordonville. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00-11:00 am, with the service beginning at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to St. John's United Methodist Church, 3001 Lincoln Highway East, P. O. Box 86, Paradise, PA 17562.