Margaret Dickinson

Margaret Lou Dickinson was born in Nespelem, Washington on September 5, 1933 to Melvin and Alma Robertson and joined her older brother, Maurice. Their father worked for the Federal government and she treasured the unique experiences of being raised on Indian reservations in the Pacific Northwest during the 30's and 40's. She loved the Native American culture and history of those times. Margaret also told us an amazing story that happened in Nespelem one day when she was making her paper route deliveries. A huge space ship came down from the sky, surprising her and causing her to fall off her bike. It hovered over the little town and then took off. Knowing there are skeptics, she ended her story with "lots of people saw it". We definitely believe and are just happy the ship left her behind! Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA was where Margaret went to college and got swept off her feet by an exciting student who was involved in theater and her opposite in many ways. One of Joe Dickinson's letters home to his mother stated "Dawgone--she's pretty. I still can't figure out how I hooked her." They married on June 26, 1954 at the ages of 20 and 22. Eleven months later, Shanon and Shawn arrived. Since sonograms weren't around at that time, the fact that there were two babies instead of one was a big surprise! We all laugh every time we see a photo of the very young couple with their new twin girls - Mom beaming, Dad shell-shocked! The twins were one year old and walking when they attended Margaret's college graduation with an Education degree. Quite a feat for a young mother of two! Joe's job with Boeing meant that the Dickinson family moved a lot over the years. In Seattle, WA, Brad was born. His parents were happy that the twins doted on the new baby until the day they were asked "When is he leaving?" and realized it wasn't fully understood that Brad would be sticking around. Next was Sedalia, MO, where Meghan was born. The family of six lived in a trailer park community set up for Boeing employees working on the Minuteman missile project. Trailers then definitely were not the mobile homes that they are today but Margaret always saw the adventure in wherever life took them and made anywhere they lived a home. A brief stint in New Orleans, LA was followed by a few years in Huntsville, AL and finally they settled in Plano, TX after Joe took a position with Texas Instruments. Margaret taught elementary and middle school students for many years and was always very involved and caring. She retired from Wilson Middle School in 1994 and went on several wonderful trips, including NYC, Alaska, Canada, Ireland, England, Switzerland and other countries. Margaret loved life and was always ready for whatever was in store; the words "I can't, there are chores to do" would never be heard from her lips. Margaret and Joe were married for 55 years before he reluctantly left us in 2010. One day not long after his passing, Margaret turned and looked like she was listening to something. When asked what she was doing, she replied "It's your dad. He says he'll see me in 5 years." That day came on March 18, 2016 when she passed away at home and joined him again- we can only imagine the happiness of their reunion! In the fall their family will take Margaret and Joe back to beautiful St. Maries, Idaho. Margaret is survived by her four children and their spouse/cohorts Bob, Louisa and Tim; grandchildren Ethan, Courtney, Weslea Rose, Mailea, Savanah and Grayson; great-grandchildren Aden, Jett, Kennedy and Harper; nieces Laurie, Grace and Carlynn; and nephews Mel, Greg, Rob and Jamie. She leaves us memories of lively and loving homes, her welcoming smile and kind heart, inquisitive nature, and love of family. Oh, and she could be feisty, too! Margaret was truly the backbone of the Dickinson family. We love you, Mom, and thank you for all you gave us. You and Dad will be in our hearts forever. Many thanks and love to caregivers Sylinda, Faziya and Alma, who took such loving care of our mother. She is finally free from the disease that stole years of adventure and time with her family & friends. It was, however, never able to take away her smile and loving nature. Please help support the Alzheimer's Association in their fight to find a cure.