Edith Virginia Dickinson
Posted July 2, 2015 at 6:39 pm by Tim Dustrude
Edith Dickenson
Edith Virginia Dickinson passed away on June 29, 2015 at Ashley Gardens of Mount Vernon. Edith was born on the farm in Welcome, Minnesota to Temple and Eloise Goetz on January 31, 1927. After finishing high school, she attended Hamline University where she earned her teaching degree. She began teaching English and Art classes in Idaho and then took a job as an administrative leader with the Girl Scouts of America, which brought her to Washington State. There, through mutual friends, she met John W. Dickinson and they began their relationship while skiing on Snoqualmie Pass after he helped her up from a fall.
They lived on a house boat on Lake Union and always dreamed of living in the San Juan Islands. They were married on Orcas Island and moved to Friday Harbor in 1958 to their home on Argyle Avenue, where they raised their 3 daughters and Edith started her fabulous garden.
Edith loved serving her community and soon became involved in Girl Scouts, Blue Birds, the PTA, served on the school board, she was elected to the Friday Harbor Town Council, wrote columns for the Island’s Sounder, belonged to the Historical Society and local gardening clubs and groups. She and John welcomed friends into their home for sing-a-longs, cider pressing parties, and gatherings.
Edith was quick to share her garden vegetables, flowers and apples with anyone. People dropped by often looking for flowers they needed for weddings or special occasions, and it gave her such pride to provide whatever she could to help them out. Edith would want to be remembered for her expert knowledge, wisdom, and advice in caring for all growing things, especially her roses. And, if you are ever in need of good gardening advice, it would give Edith a chuckle if you said to yourself “What would Edith do?”
Edith was preceded in death by her father Temple Goetz, her mother, Eloise, ,her husband John Dickinson, and her sister Barbara Ekern. She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Dickinson, Sally (Brett) Rogers Susan (Paul) Noste, and grandchildren Chelsea Rogers, Jesse Rogers, Emily (Kyle) Hart and Molly Noste.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 29,2015 at the San Juan County Fairgrounds in Friday Harbor from 1 to 3 pm. Memorials may be made to: San Juan Historical Museum, Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor, or an Island charity of your choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Edith, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.
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Categories: Around Here
3 comments:
3 comments...
My favorite Edith story is 2009 when Tim and I were going to get married. We planned to have a simple ceremony on Turn Island with just family and I had my heart set on a corsage. I had never had one. Tim ordered my one from the local florist with a specific request of no roses. When it was delivered it was a rose. I had him take it back and we were walking home passing Edith’s house and her phenomenal garden when he suggested asking her for some of her flowers. She was outside working in her garden and said “absolutely” but I don’t want any money you need to do something for me. She asked Tim to help her move a planter from one hook to the other and we were square. That is one of our special stories to be forever remembered and I had the best bouquet of flowers ever.
Edith was such a special person. We knew her well the 10 years we lived on SJI, and my parents also knew her. She gave me flowers and loaned me a vase for my Mom’s memorial service in 1991. We did not live on the island at that time, moved there in 1992. I asked someone if they knew of a garden I could buy flowers for the service, and Edith was suggested. Of course, she would not let me pay her one cent! Paul and she loved to discuss apples, and I think he helped her prune some of her trees. She had the best garden, and right across from the fairgrounds, so during the fair everyone could enjoy her garden as they arrived. Loved that lady.
it was great having Edith here at the “Village at the Harbor”. she had such good stories about the Island and things past that went on here.
could talk to us on any subject.
for years i would drive by her home and see her in her garden with
the beautiful flowers. i didn’t know her then, but admired the way she was always working among her flowers.
loving thoughts and hugs to her family,
doris estabrooks
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