Leslie Ann Dickinson

Leslie Ann Dickinson, (née Plattner), 73, passed away in early July at her home in Tucson after a courageous journey through cancer.

Leslie was born in Peoria, Illinois, to Lester and Anne Plattner (née Steffen). After graduating from Richwoods High School in Peoria, she went on to earn her nursing degree from Barnes School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri. There, she met her first husband, Jim Rohen. Leslie then worked as a nurse for three years at Landstuhl hospital in Germany, where Jim was stationed as a dentist. They returned to settle in Jim’s hometown of Tucson, Arizona, buying a home, marrying, and later joyfully welcoming the light of their lives, their daughter Lacy.

Leslie continued her career as a nurse in Tucson for over 35 years, primarily as an operating room nurse, and then as a hospice nurse. Inspired by her mother, Leslie knew she wanted to be a nurse from a young age. And she was an excellent nurse; her gentle, caring manner reassured her patients and their families, and nothing seemed to ruffle her.

On a group ski trip to Austria after her divorce, Leslie met fellow Tucsonan Bill Dickinson. After returning to Arizona, they dated and eventually married. Their relationship was full of fun… Traveling the globe—often for 3 or more months out of the year. Proudly ’grand-parenting’ their beautiful grandchildren, Grant, Finn, and Evie. Catering to the quirky demands of their pampered pets. Beautifying their cozy home. Cultivating their backyard oasis. Cooking and eating well. Sipping fine wines and fancy cocktails. Entertaining family and friends. Faithfully exercising with Dan the Man. Partaking of the Tucson arts scene. As life partners, they just fit. And, after 18 happy years together, their love story continues—albeit in a different form.

Leslie’s family was absolutely everything to her and she never failed to shower them with her unconditional love. She was an especially devoted mom to her daughter. As an adventurous mother-daughter duo, they enjoyed traveling often together over the years—getting lost in the winding streets of Europe, cruising to exotic tropical locales, and relaxing poolside at Westward Look for their annual staycation. They could often be found in the kitchen, laughing and drinking wine, while Leslie attempted to teach Lacy the art of cooking, without measuring ingredients or using a recipe. Their deep mother-daughter bond was inspiring—striking that balance of being both a supportive parent and a true best friend.

Leslie knew her own mind, and even as a child, firmly stood her ground for what she believed in. Her core was as strong as an oak tree, quietly radiating integrity and patience. She was a wonderful listener and you never felt judged by her, just loved and accepted.

Leslie was never one to take herself too seriously, as evidenced by the giggle-snort she inherited from her mother, Anne. We all basked in the glow of her bright inner light—a light that lit up every room she entered.

In her last year, Leslie lived true to who she was. She steadfastly met each day with a more radiant version of her usual pragmatic grace and grit. And, because she’d lived her life so fully, she felt at peace. While none of us can imagine a world without her and we miss her dearly, we are grateful to her for modeling that quality of ready acceptance.

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Leslie is survived by her husband John William ‘Bill’ Dickinson, daughter Lacy Rohen (Amber Urquijo), brother Ken Plattner (Claire O’Connor), stepsons John W. Dickinson (Robbin), Mark Dickinson (Erin Scala), and adored grandchildren, all of Tucson, AZ; nephew Nikos Galpin-Plattner of Dillon, CO; a large extended family, and many close, treasured friends near and far.

A celebration of Leslie’s life will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 3:00 pm at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E Grant Road, Tucson, AZ.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be provided on East Lawn’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EastLawnPalms. This will begin at 2:50pm and be available for viewing after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Leslie’s memory be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona or to the charity of your choice.