07/10/2015
Mary Elaine, Moine, M.E. Dickinson was chosen to peacefully change worlds on June 22, 2015. Alpine Way, where she lived for 5 ½ years, will miss her dearly. Just shy of her 90th, Mary was born on August 9, 1925, in Essex, NY, to John Williams and Vera Maurine (Shaw) Shortsleeves. On August 30, 1945, Mary married Gordon Richard Dickinson. They remained happily married until his passing on November 22, 2005. Moine was preceded in passing by her sister, Barb. Surviving are her daughters Jo Ann Hill of Marysville, WA, Jill O’Brien of Merritt Island, FL, and Julie Johnson of Olympia, WA; sons John Dickinson of Seattle, WA and James Dickinson of Union, WA; and grandchildren, great grandchildren and so many dear friends.
On June 21st, 1943, M.E. graduated from Essex High School as the valedictorian and then on to Potsdam State University, Potsdam, NY, where Emmy worked on majors in music and elementary education. She moved her kids and parents to Bellingham, WA, and completed her BA in Education at Western Washington College of Education, WWU, in 1961. Her 5th year was completed at St. Martins University in Olympia, WA.
Her participation and love for the arts in high school and college enhanced her 20 years of teaching elementary children. Mary was a teacher to many among many generations.
Mary was a passionate volunteer to her family; St. Edward’s Catholic Church; ONO; PEO; retired Teacher’s Assoc; Mason Co. Hospital Auxiliary and others where she was happy to organize and do whatever was needed.
She loved traveling. Once with 5 kids and two parents in the station wagon, they drove to Macy’s in New York City. Trips to the Orange Grove Coast in Florida before NASA, or Los Angeles were like a trip to Hales, the local grocery. Europe, Mexico and everywhere in the US were taken with Gord. She was very proud of her gardening, cooking and giving the winning bids during 60-year long bridge games. Hunting and hiking deep into the Olympics, tennis and more tennis, she was a top competitor.
A memorial service will be held at 11am Thursday, July 23rd, 2015, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 601 West C. Street, Shelton, WA 98584. The reverend Ronald Belisle will officiate. Lunch will be served after the service at the Social Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mason General Hospital Foundation, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584 or Providence Sound Hospice, 3706 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA 98501. Arrangements are under the direction of McComb & Wagner Funeral Home, PO Box 179, Shelton, WA 98584.
