Helen Jane Dawson Thorgrimson, a 53 year resident of St. James, NY, passed away on Sunday, July 28 2024 in Wilmington, NC.
Helen was born on May 6, 1933 in Teaneck, NJ to Walter Minter Dawson and Florence Lewis Dawson. She graduated from Mepham High School in North Bellmore, NY and then received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University in Mathematics and a Master’s of Science degree from Stony Brook University.
During the 1950s while her husband was stationed at Arlington Hall Station in Arlington, VA, Helen worked as a Mathematical Analyst for the National Security Agency. She later worked as a mathematics teacher at Newfield High School in Selden, NY for over 30 years, during this time she also served as chairperson of the mathematics department. Helen was a 53-year member of St. James Lutheran Church, St. James, NY, where she taught Sunday School.
She was also a longtime member of the Sons of Norway Lodge 252. Helen and her husband, Richard Maurice Thorgrimson moved to Wilmington, NC in 2021.
Helen was a loving wife and mother. In June 2022, she was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Richard. She is survived by their two daughters, Marjorie Czaja (John) of Clermont, Florida; Diane Thorgrimson (Mike Payne) of Wilmington, NC; and two grandchildren, Morgan Czaja of Woodbridge, NJ and Erik Czaja of Chicago, IL. She is also survived by 5 nieces and nephews, Susan Garetson of Cranford, NJ, Robert Thorgrimson of NYC, Janet Thorgrimson Keller of Wake Forest, NC, Maryann Thorgrimson Hogan (John) of Raleigh, NC, and Marilyn Thorgrimson of Seaside, NY. Helen was predeceased by her sister Marjorie Dawson Paetzold and parents, Walter Dawson and Florence Lewis Dawson. Helen was also blessed with a loving family in Wilmington, NC, Andrea Payne (Thane Boysen) and three adoring “great-grandchildren”, Leighton, Hayden and Ava Grace.
The service for immediate family will be held in Nyack, NY on August 5, 2024. Helen will be laid to rest in Nyack, NY.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the music program at St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Avenue, St. James, NY 11780.
