EAST PEORIA - Ellen A. Dickerson, age 85, of East Peoria passed away Monday, April 29, 2013, at 6:05 a.m. surrounded by her family at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born June 24, 1927, on a farm in Melrose, Iowa, to John S. and Kathryn (McGrath) Judge. She married George K. Dickerson on May 3, 1948, in Georgetown, Iowa. He passed away on March 29, 2007 in East Peoria.
She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Timothy John Dickerson; an infant brother; a sister, Mary Theresa; and brothers, Drs. John, Ed, Gene, Tom and Bill Judge; and an infant granddaughter, Melanie Conway.
Survivors include five daughters, Nancy (Jim) Carr of Princeton, Ill., Christine Conway of Peoria, Kathleen (Pat) Daly of Louisville, Ky., Mary Anne (Rick) Morrow of East Peoria, and Erin Dickerson of Bolingbrook, Ill.; three sons, Dr. Tom (Donna) of East Peoria, Dr. Paul (Cassie) of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Dr. John (Neca) of Mesa, Ariz.; 22 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and her sister.
Ellen and her husband went to a dance on their first date and were together from then on. They were members of Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur and worked with marriage encounter groups for many years. They took pride in their city and were members of the East Peoria Beautification Committee and volunteered for the Festival of Lights. They were also election judges for Tazewell County for many years.
Ellen was profoundly grateful to be a stay-at-home homemaker and had the utmost respect for the women who worked outside the home. She loved decorating and sewing for her home and family. Her family was her greatest joy.
She was very grateful for her parents and siblings and the warm, close Irish family to which she belonged. She and her husband took great pleasure in extending this warmth in their own home and to see the next two generations follow suit.
Visitation will be Friday May 3, 2013, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
Additional services will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Georgetown, Iowa, and burial of cremains in St. Patrick's Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association.
Please view Ellen's obituary online at www.Remmert-FuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nancy, I just received news about your mom. I always thought she was such a lady. I'm sure you hear that a lot, but it would be hard to describe her any other way. I probably prayed more rosary's in the Dickerson station wagon than in all my years of Catholic schooling. Good memories. My thoughts are with you and your whole family. Lenie
Aileen Spillman
May 17, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. God Bless.
Cathy Bankes
.
May 10, 2013
Dear Dickerson Friends,
My only consolation to the passing of my dear friend, is that Ellen will be at the Gates to welcome my Jim who will follow soon. There will be one rip roaring celebration when we all get there. Ellen was always the positive cheerleader. Love all of you.
Janice Heinz
May 4, 2013
Erin,
So sorry to hear about your mom's passing. No words can express what it feels like to lose your mom. Praying for your family.
Julie (Benedict) Virgil
May 2, 2013
Mary Anne - I am sorry about the loss of your mother. It is always difficult to lose a loved one even when it is expected. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May God bless her soul.
George Sleiman
May 2, 2013
I'll miss a great lady, you went to be with my buddy Doc.
Bob Burdess
May 2, 2013
What lovely neighbors to have all these years!...your Dad coming over to share stories of war, family,history, his profession; your Mom taking over the daily Flag display tradition; her strawberry/rhubarb jam!; cards of thanks and calls for favors; her children teaching their children responsibility and expressions of love like mowing her grass; my grandchild skipping home with cookies for garbage help just last week, because her family helped her stay in her home right up to the end...all memories of how families (and neighbors) should be.
Dan and Laurie Greenleaf
May 2, 2013
I LOVED this lady!! Our family matriarch and historian.... she will be missed. I hope to make the Georgetown service.
Jodi Judge
May 2, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Erin. My condolences to you and your family.
Brook McMullen Gness
May 2, 2013
You were such a lovely lady who cared so much much about the large, Irish, Catholic, Chiropractic family that we belong to . We love and will miss you, Ellen. Your were truly special. Gail Sheedy Brantner
May 1, 2013
Erin,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I have some wonderful childhood memories that involved my friendship with you. I remember your mother was always kind and caring to me. Sending love and hugs, Stacy (Macaluso).
Stephanie Coleman
May 1, 2013
Erin - Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Heather Bazhenow
May 1, 2013
Erin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The loss of a mother is beyond words. I wish you and your family prayers of peace.
Karen Fennell
May 1, 2013
May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family, amen.
Caterpillar, Newberry South Carolina
Stephanie Bryson
May 1, 2013
Dear Dickerson Clan
Wish we could be there to hug you all & celebrate MaMa's joyous life. It is her warm & gracious nature we will always remember - & that each of you has inherited. "Safe Home" to MaMa & get plenty of pictures to commemorate being together for her.
Keith & Linda Falconer Family
May 1, 2013
To the Amzing Dickerson Clan, My deepest sympathies go to you all. Your lovely Mom was one of a kind...always putting everyone first and making sure everyone was happy, healthy, and well taken care of. I would be so happy to live up to her standards!! My heart breaks for you since I know how much you will miss her. God will take care of you and She will watch over you too. I wish I could give you all a hug! Love and peace, Bridget Riddell Lane
Bridget Lane
May 1, 2013
I will always miss my GodMother,Aunt Ellen..Ellen was a kind soul,may you rest in peace..eya xoxo ~debbie judge~
May 1, 2013
Mary Anne. I'm so sorry for your loss. My sypathies and prayers are with you at this time. It's hard to lose your mom - at any age. I hope your find comfort and healing in the memories of the love you shared.
Lisa Wirth
May 1, 2013
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