March 20, 1952 - December 20, 2010

Dixie was born in McBride, B.C. on March 20th, 1952.
She lived there to the age of 14 when she followed her family for a brief stay in Terrace. She and her family then moved to Kamloops where she eventually met her husband of 38 years, John. Dixie then did a brief stint in Blue River and then moved to Barriere both for John's work. She finally settled back in Kamloops in 1989.

Dixie had two children, Jamie (Jaye) and Dan. She also enjoyed her two grandchildren, Danika and Corben (Jamie).

Dixie was predeceased by her parents Theresa and Omer.

She is survived by her loving husband John, her two children, her siblings Rosalie, David, Larry and Avril along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Dixie spent her early years as a stay-at-home Mom loving her children and family and creating a loving home environment that all could enjoy while there. When her children had grown she took on a sales position at Joyce's Fashions (later Val Annas Fashions) where she enjoyed all the newest clothing lines, buying most and even selling some. She later took on a position as a Sales Associate at the Senior Connector. While there, she also wrote two columns "Dear Dixie" and "Dixie's Tales and Trails"; they seemed well-received and received numerous comments from friends and strangers alike that either enjoyed or related to their contents.

Dixie also found pleasure singing. She participated in various venues in which the songs sung invoked nostalgia and fond memories of days gone by.

She loved animals and nature in general, welcoming all the seasons along with the animals that accompanied them and the new flowers in spring (she was our "Flower Whisperer"). She hiked countless miles with her dog Wyatt, in Peterson Creek, Kenna Cartwright Park, McConnell Lake, Stake Lake and many others. In 2003 she successfully hiked the 64km "Great Walk" on Vancouver Island in 11 hours and 10 minutes and came out quite unscathed, quite a remarkable feat really for a "weekend warrior". Being very fit and health-conscious, she led several workout classes at the Kamloops YW-YMCA.

A diagnosis of lung cancer in late April of this year took us all by surprise. She very bravely and calmly engaged in a battle to survive this horrific assault; her courage, confidence and determination inspiring us all. With her husband and children engaged with numerous healthcare professionals and with the prayers and well-wishes of her siblings, numerous friends and literally countless acquaintances, the battle waged on until it finally ended peacefully on December 20th, with her family by her side. If love alone could have saved her, she would be hiking the snowy hillsides today and planning her beloved Christmas festivities. We feel she is hiking Heaven's hills instead, helping someone she feels needs her and enjoying all the marvellous flowers.

We love you and will
remember you forever Honey ...
Happy Trails!

Dixie requested that there be no formal service. Instead, an informal gathering will be announced in the New Year.
Condolences may be expressed at
www.schoenings.com