Mary was born June 10, 1929 in Middletown, Ohio to Jones M. and Florence E. Cahill (nee Smith). Mary had four brothers: William, Jones, Lawrence, and Tom, all now deceased. Mary attended Mt. St. Joseph Academy as a resident student and completed one year at Mt. St. Joseph College.
She married John E. Dickerson Sr. in 1948 in Middletown. Mary’s nickname was “Cookie,” and the couple was known to their many friends as “Cookie and Jack.” Although they eventually divorced, Mary and her husband remained close friends, Mary was a dedicated homemaker and an attentive and loving mother. She is survived by her five children. John (Paula), Elizabeth, Julie (Tom), Laurie (Mike), and Tom (Pam); and by her twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Mary’s love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren animated her life and no one loved her family more or offered more support, good humor, attention, and affection.
As her children grew, Mary had her own career outside the home both as an employee and as a volunteer. She worked for some time as a volunteer librarian at Fenwick High School where she made lasting friendships with both students and faculty. Mary worked as a Director of Volunteers at a local hospital in Ohio, among other paid positions, where her characteristic good humor and concern for others led her to several positions in customer service.
In her later years Mary moved to Frasier Manor and became an involved member of the Frasier community. Her warmth, good humor and sincere affection for everyone she met allowed her to make many lasting friendships among the residents and staff. Her daughters Betsy and Julie, with her son-in-law Tom, helped Mary during her entire stay at Frasier and were an invaluable comfort to her.
A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Frasier Manor on March 23, 2024 preceded by a private service for the family. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to A Precious Child (need address).
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