Virginia Lee (Dawson) Archer

Virginia Lee (Dawson) Archer passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on August 21, 2023, at the age of 89, in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born on December 14, 1933, to Patrick Albert Dawson and Helen Ruby Doan in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Virginia had the incredible ability to make those around her feel special and loved, even a stranger on the street. This was especially true for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She generously gave her time and talents to make special gifts such as quilts, teddy bears, baby dolls, and hand-sewn clothing. She was a talented artist, storyteller, writer of poetry, and cook. Her greatest joy was to make home-cooked meals and serve them up with her best dishes. She was very charitable to those in need and served with dedication in her church.

She was a skilled genealogist and spent much of her adult life working on family history. She searched diligently for more than 40 years for her uncle’s lineage and once found, brought many happy relatives together. She loved to make family history books, full of photos and mementos, which she graciously gave to family members. She also kept extensive personal journals recording her perspectives, family events, and special moments.

She was a great patriot and served as the East Valley Republican Assembly President for many years, proudly receiving an award for outstanding service in June, 2005. She continued helping behind the scenes for many years due to her love for our country and the Constitution. She had a patriotic collection in her home that covered an entire wall.

To her grandchildren, she would always sing “Who’s that knocking at my door” as she came to answer it.  Her grandchildren will always remember her beautiful voice that lovingly welcomed them into her home. She is loved beyond words because of the unconditional love she had for others. She lived a good life and wanted to leave a great legacy, to always be remembered as the loving matriarch that she was. Her family was her life. She would often say that her children and grandchildren were the beautiful jewels in her crown.

She is survived by her sons David and Michael, daughters Barbara, Sue Ann, Carla, and Helen, 29 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, her sister Jennie Anderson, and brother Jack Dawson. Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold Archer, sister Jean Quagliesi, mother Helen, father Patrick, and son John Emery Archer.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1455 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00am. A Graveside Service will then take place at 12:30pm at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201.