Bernadette Marie Dixon

Bernadette Dixon passed away peacefully in her home in Norman, OK on February 13, 2025 with family by her side. She was born in 1930 in St. Quentin, New Brunswick, Canada. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy and the nursing school, Hotel Dieu Hospital, in Edmonston, New Brunswick, Canada. As a new Registered Nurse, she and three other graduates embarked on an adventure into the United States, working as registered nurses in Maryland, and Florida, before coming to Oklahoma City, where she met the love of her life, Gerald Dixon, at University Hospital. And legend has it, her husband -to- be invited her to play bridge with his parents. She declined. He said, “OK then, stay home and knit.” She changed her mind and the rest is history.

Bernadette married Gerald Dixon in June 1958 and quickly moved to Seattle where he did a medical internship while she worked as an RN. In 1958, they moved to New Orleans for three years and then called Oklahoma City their home for over 15 years. She continued working as an RN until 1965. They moved to Altus, Oklahoma in 1974, where they lived happily for over 20 years, focusing on raising five children. Following moves to several other locations, they lived in Mt. Pleasant, TX. Following the death of her husband, Bernadette moved to Norman, OK in 1994.

Bernadette was a fierce bridge player. She and Jerry belonged to bridge clubs where they had many close friends, and after his death, she continued to play with a women’s competitive group. Bernadette was a great prankster and told tall tales which she recently admitted were just that. Some of her favorite memories were spending family vacations in Colorado with close family friends. She loved cooking, music, reading, and gardening. French was her first language, but she mastered English as well. She was known as “Bebe” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered for her joie de vivre, devotion to her husband and family, competitive spirit, stubbornness, and keen knowledge of the mountains.

Bernadette outlived her four siblings and is survived by her five children: Susan Reber and spouse Randy of Lubbock, TX; Kelly Dixon and spouse Mark Herndon of Norman, OK; Michelle Dixon and partner Blake Haber of Santa Barbara, CA; James Dixon and spouse Dara of Bartlesville, OK; and Craig Dixon and spouse Lara of Edmond, OK; six grandchildren, Ryan Reber and Drew Reber, Lubbock TX; Sam Herndon, Denver, CO; Kevin Pollard Jr., Vietnam; Jack Dixon and John Dixon, Bartlesville, OK; and two great grandchildren, Rilynn and Rhett Reber.

The family extends special thanks to her team of caregivers who provided constant love and support: companion caregiver, Dale Wright; hospice nurse, Kari Adyt; Dr. Paul Plusquellec; Jamie McCurdy; Hearts at Home Companion Care; and Mercy Hospice.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Shawnee, OK.