Dixie Anne Hasselo

On July 7th, a sunny Saturday, Dixie closed her eyes, smiled and took her last breath after seeing a picture of her beloved Ray who was waiting for her in heaven. Ray passed away just three months ago on April 14th, another sunny Saturday. Dixie was born in Seattle on April 7, 1927 to Wanda and George Dysart. As an only child, she grew up in the Bryant neighborhood. Dixie was baptized and confirmed at the Ravenna United Methodist Church. She, along with her devoted parents were active in Girl Scouts, Rainbow, church and school activities. She was not athletic or crafty but was an accomplished classical pianist. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1945. She obtained a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Washington where she was a class officer every year. She was a member and President of Chi Omega sorority. Dixie cherished her sorority membership and maintained lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters. Similarly she made many treasured friendships in nursing school. Upon graduation, she stayed on at the UW as a nursing instructor at Swedish Hospital. As a nursing student she was set up on a blind date with the love of her life, Ray Hasselo, also a UW student. Dixie had already received four marriage proposals but immediately knew Ray was the one for her due to his sense of humor. They were married in 1952 and settled in Seattle until Ray was transferred to Everett in 1960. Dixie went back to the UW for more credentials and became a school nurse for the Everett School District where she loved to care for kids, teachers and staff. The majority of her career was spent as the school nurse at Everett High School. She was a recipient of the Golden Acorn Award. Dixie served on the Board of Providence Hospital for many years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Gertrude Jackson Scholarship Committee, PEO, O.E.S, Useless Bay and Everett Golf and Country Clubs. She was the granddaughter of a Confederate Civil War veteran, Finis Dysart. Most her age would have been great granddaughters.

Dixie and Ray traveled the entire world only missing India and Antarctica. Repeat favorites were Hawaii and Mexico where their daughters would join them. Dixie’s favorite place in the world however was her treasured beach cabin on Mutiny Bay, Whidbey Island where she and Ray and their daughters and families have many happy memories. Dixie leaves behind her daughter Dayna Jueidi (MJ), grandsons Drew (Salt Lake City) and Collin, of Mukilteo, daughter Dr. Lael Paul (Dr. Greg) and grandsons Mason and Ethan, of Bellevue. She leaves a niece, Barbara Cross (Darrell) of Palo Alto, CA. Her husband, Ray and parents predeceased her. Dixie was deeply loved by family and friends for her devotion, loyalty, generosity, kindness, warmth, compassion and sense of humor. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend. We cherished everyday we had with her. We would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Laird Findlay and his nurse, Donna for their many years of excellent care. Dixie and Ray shared a special time in their lives at Washington Oakes Retirement Community and we are thankful. Much gratitude extended to the Norm Smith family, Debbie Schlagel, Gloria Bullinger, and Van Thanh Phan. We will always greatly appreciate and love the kind caregivers at Amy’s Adult Care Home including Amy, Sama, Heather, Kim, Jessica, Brittany, those that cared for her before, and the residents and their families. We are thankful for Providence Hospice who ensured mom’s passing was peaceful. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Ave., Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201. Join us at a memorial service, life celebration and view of Whidbey Island for both Dixie and Ray to be held at noon on Friday, July 20th at Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave, Mukilteo.