Dickinson

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DICKINSON: The family of Frances Jean Dickinson (nee Burnett) announce her passing after a brief illness on March 17th, 2021 at age 89. Mom was born on July 11th, 1931 on the family farm in the Purple Hill district near Medora. She took her early schooling at Purple Hill. For high school she rode horseback to Medora, then grade 12 in Deloraine taking the train home on weekends. Mom attended teachers training at Tuxedo Normal School in Winnipeg in 1950. She taught school at Thirlstane, Deloraine, and Waskada. On July 3rd, 1954 she married John W Dickinson, living in the old stone house north of Waskada where John was born. Here they farmed and raised three children Bill, Dawn, and Tracy. She loved farm life and was famous for her cooking and garden. After 39 years on the farm, they built a house in Waskada. She designed her own kitchen with a lower cupboard to roll out pastry and continued to garden until her passing. In 2019 after John's accident, they moved to Melita Senior's apartments. Mom organized coffee get togethers and card night. Anyone who visited would get to sample her baking or a chocolate. Mom was an active member of the Waskada United Church, Women's Institute, Farm Womens, and Princess Mimosa Neighbors Good Will. She was a 4-H leader for many years and after raising her children took on the job as 4-H Program assistant in the Melita area. She felt it was a rewarding job watching all the children grow into young adults. She dedicated her life to serving others and instilled the importance of volunteering in all of us. She was recognized for this with the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, The WI Women of Distinction Award and the RM of Brenda Volunteer Award. Mom and Dad loved family times, square dancing, curling, camping and the odd trip if Mom could get Dad off the farm. Her life was full with work, family, friends, church, and community involvement. She will be forever missed by her husband John, son Bill (Audrey), daughters Dawn (Ken) Winter and Tracy(Barry) Chappell and families. A family graveside service took place at Waskada on March 22nd, 2021 followed by a drive by in Waskada. Fran's cookies were handed out to all. The service and video tribute are available on the Wheatland funeral service website www.wheatlandfs.com. Donations in memory can be made to the Waskada United church or a charity of one's choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 24, 2021