Marion E. Dixon

Marion Ellen Dixon of 13 Cayuga St., Trumansburg, passed away at her home on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at the age of 95.

In August of 1913 in Plainville, New York the roads were as yet unpaved, horses still plowed the fields, and many of the farmers in the area were related to each other. The simple telephone system that connected those farm families was created by a family member who liked to "tinker". Into this bucolic setting Marion Ellen Hudson was born at home to Ellen (Gates) Hudson and Arthur Wright Hudson. According to family lore Marion's first outing was very special. It was not in a horse and buggy. It was taken in an automobile owned by a modern relative of some means.

When Marion was eight years old the expanding Hudson family left the Plainville farm and moved to Baldwinsville. Five brothers followed Marion: Gates (deceased), Charles (deceased), Harlan (Esther), Earl (Evelyn) and Olin (Sue). Marion and the boys religiously attended the Baldwinsville Methodist Church, where Earl recalls that their Sunday pennies helped build the "new" addition. Marion remained a devout Methodist her entire life.

After graduation from Baldwinsville High School Marion took some business courses and began working for the Grange League Federation (GLF), which years later became known as AGWAY. While working there she met Clarence Ward Dixon, whose smile and friendly nature won her heart. They were married during the depression in 1934. Life was full of hard work, but Marion's gentle ways and strong spiritual nature helped to keep their lives stable. Eventually Clarence and Marion had four children: Edwin (Roslyn), Alan (Mary), Kay (Peter) Cooke, and David (Maura). There are now nine grandchildren: Denise (Guy) Maurin, Dwight, Alan (Ana), Shelley, Jim, Mark (Cyndi), Jennifer (Jeremy) Saglimbeni, Tae and Maia Cooke; and 12 great-grandchildren in the family.

For 15 years Clarence and Marion ran the general store in Bowens Corners together. This was a hub of activity for the little village. In 1979 Clarence passed away unexpectedly, but Marion, true to her strong nature carried on alone. For a time she continued living in the family home in Bowens Corners. Later she chose to live part-time in Brooksville, FL and for the remainder of the year next to her daughter and son-in-law in Trumansburg, NY, where she has lived for 20 years.

Marion was a consummate story teller, and kept family and friends entertained with her memories of that segment of life that stretched from the early 20th century into the 21st century. She loved to increase her knowledge through reading. Her skills of sewing, cooking, and knitting benefited everyone around her. Marion will be remembered for her willingness always to give a helping hand and for her deep wisdom gleaned over 95 years of insight and observation of human nature, and world events.

A Memorial Service for Marion will begin at noon on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church.

The family asks those who wish to remember Marion in the form of a contribution to kindly consider Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, Bowens Corners UMC, 758 State Rt. 176, Fulton, NY 13069, or Trumansburg UMC, PO Box 628, Trumansburg, NY 14886.