Deirdre D. Dixon

It is with solemn hearts that we announce the passing of Deirdre Daul Dixon, age 88. Deirdre passed peacefully on March 19, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida.

Deirdre was born on January 13, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Wauwatosa High School and attended UW-Milwaukee where she met her husband of over 60 years, David Paul Dixon. The young couple married and, after a few years in Canton, Ohio, settled permanently in Greendale, Wisconsin. In Ohio, Deirdre gave birth to two sons, Timothy and Christopher. She added two more children to her family, Pamela and Patrick, while in Greendale.

Deirdre was a beloved community member of Greendale, Wisconsin. Despite being a young mother with four children, Deirdre returned to Alverno College to complete her teaching degree. Deirdre undeniably found her calling. She taught middle school for over 25 years. She both loved and was adored by her students. She was awarded Educator of the Year by the Greendale Public Schools for her passion and commitment to teaching. Retirement was no change of pace for Deirdre, as she immediately returned to work as a curriculum advisor for the Greendale School District after retiring as a teacher. Deirdre also founded and ran the Reading Buddies Program, which brought seniors and community members into 1st-grade classes for three elementary schools to share the love of reading and learning. Deirdre was recently honored by the Greendale School District for her leadership of the Reading Buddies Program. Reading Buddies continues in the Greendale School District today.

If Deirdre wasn't known to the youth of the Greendale Village through her teaching, she was known to them through her Scout leadership. She began leading both Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops when her children were young. Her most enduring Scout legacy came from leading the Scout Explorer Post 533 from 1977 to the late 1980s. The Explorer Post did some civic work but was heavy on experiences. Deirdre led trips to Montana and Colorado to ski, Glacier National Park to backpack, the Boundary Waters to canoe and camp, Sea Base in Florida to snorkel and sail, and an annual camping trip to Rock Island in Door County. Those who were lucky enough to be there for those experiences knew that their lives were richer because of Deirdre Dixon. During this time, she became a surrogate mother to many.

Deirdre's life of service was remarkable, but it wasn't the most remarkable thing about her. It was her passion for people and zest for life that made her truly unique. Her smile announced her in the room. A stranger to Deirdre became a friend within minutes. Nothing fueled her more than learning the story of another person. After her eldest son passed away in 2004 after a lengthy battle with brain cancer, she filled her broken heart by responding to an announcement by the Greendale School District that a part-time teacher from Senegal needed housing. It was through inviting him into their home, that Deirdre and David found their closest surrogate son, Sylvestre Tine.

Deirdre was passionate about her family. Before she became a wife and a mother, she was a first cousin to 5 cousins on her mother's side. These cousins and their spouses, along with Deirdre's brother, Mike, and his wife Julie, maintained lifelong close-knit relationships, seeing each other monthly and supporting each other along the way. Her greatest joy was becoming a grandmother to Cameron Clevidence, Chloe Clevidence, and Audrey Dixon. She spent as much time as possible with them. Deirdre was known for taking them on road trips and volunteering in their schools. To be close to Audrey, Deirdre and Dave bought a unit at Sarasota Lakes RV Park in Florida. She enjoyed warm days in the pool and spent much of her time walking through her neighborhood while making friends with her neighbors. Her love for others never waned.

Family, friends, and anyone whose life Deirdre touched will be welcome to join in a celebration of life on Sunday, August 11th at 2 pm. The celebration will be held at Root River Barn located at 6750 W Loomis Road in Greendale Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or PBS Wisconsin.