COLUMBIA - Heloisa Costa Leite Dickey, 98, of Columbia passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2018, with her family at her side. She was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 23, 1919, the daughter of Edmundo Pereira Leite and Alda Costa Leite and influenced greatly by her beloved aunt and surrogate mother, Isabel Feijó or Tia Belinha. After living in Rio for her first 36 years with her beloved brothers Ruy and Aloysio (deceased), she lived throughout the world accompanying her Department of Defense Civilian husband, Edwin Milton Dickey, living in Wheaton,Maryland; Tirrenia, Italy; Paris and Nancy, France; Karlsruhe, Germany; and Alexandria, Virginia before settling in Columbia for her last 28 years. Dickey, as she referred to her husband, and Heloisa were married for 44 years until his death in 1994.
Heloisa graduated from the distinguished Don Pedro II School in Rio. While she did not continue her formal education, she was a lifelong learner through her wide reading and deep discourse with others. Heloisa was a generous volunteer proud of her Red Cross Grey Lady service awards. She loved the time she spent as hostess and grande dame at the Goatfeathers Sunday brunches offered by her “second” son, Jeffrey Helsley.
Heloisa loved to debate and discuss politics and, as all her friends knew, she could talk at length about any subject. She had no trouble carrying all ends of a conversation. Through her travels, many friends, and wide ranging interests, Heloisa lived her life to the fullest never passing up a party, celebration, or opportunity and her telephones would literally wear out. Into her 90s she traveled to Brazil, Miami, Key West, and within the past year to Seattle to attend her granddaughter’s wedding. She loved and valued her many friends and neighbors who she bonded with quickly and maintained ties throughout her life.
Heloisa is survived by her son, Edwin Milton Dickey, Jr, his wife Karen, of Columbia and her grandchildren, Isabel Marie Dickey-Thomas and spouse Ian Thomas, Seattle WA, and Ryland Anthony, Pompano Beach, FL. Her extended family in Brazil all of whom attended her memorable 90th Birthday in Secretário, Brazil, is numerous and crosses several generations. Marly, Roberto, Giovanni and Gustavo Biscardi; Alda, Claudia, Valeria, and Pedro Paulo Saraceni; Heloiza da Costa Cony, Paulo, Paula, and Andre Costa Leite, and Luiz Edmundo, Júlio, Luiza, and Vítor Costa Leite are among some of the many beloved relatives. Her US family from her husband’s side, while not as numerous, was equally loved.
Heloisa’s spirit and vivaciousness will be remembered and emulated by all who knew her. She will be entombed with her husband in the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery overlooking her beloved city of Washington, DC. Her family is sincerely grateful to the Helping Hands Caregivers and the Palmetto Hospice team who cared for and comforted her during her final weeks and days.
A celebration of her life with family and friends in Columbia, Washington, and then in Brazil will occur at a later time. In lieu of flowers a donation to a charity such as her favorite St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel at USC is requested.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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