Barbara Dixon

OXFORD - Barbara Ann Dixon (Toth), of Oxford, entered into eternal peace on August 5th, surrounded by the love of her family & the comfort of her animals.
Born on April 24th, 1943, in Bridgeport, Barb was the daughter of Joseph and Julie Toth (Makar) of Bethel. She wore her Hungarian heritage like a badge of honor, and lived her life with grit, humor and heart. Barb was raised in Black Rock and graduated from Bassick High School in 1961 as Class Secretary.
She went on to obtain her Bachelors Degree from the University of Connecticut in 1965, where she was also initiated as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta in 1963. She earned her Master's Degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Barb began teaching in 1966, and dedicated the great majority of her career to the Bridgeport school system. After 35 years, she retired from Beardsley School in 2001.
In retirement, Barb leaned fully into the things that brought her joy: her family, her animals, and her land. She explored more than 50 countries over time collecting memories and experiences over things.
Barbara married Randy Dixon on August 3, 1983 and together they built their dream farm in Oxford, where they lived for over 40 years. They shared a beautiful life filled with hard work and a steady love until his passing in February 2024. Her greatest joy was raising their three children, who became her very best friends - Rebecca DePalma (Eric), Jennifer Mezick (Matthew), and Michael Dixon (Jessica). Barb filled their home with animals, gardens, and unconditional love.
Her passion for animals knew no bounds - she rescued, adopted, donated, and welcomed any creature who needed a home.
She could make friends anywhere she went - but there was nothing quite like the bond she shared with her own sister, Debbie Farrell.
She leaves behind many treasured family and close friends including, her cousins Beverly Makar, Ronnie (Mollie) Makar, brother in law Robert Farrell, niece Kate Farrell, cousin Toni-Ann (Gene) Cassidy, cousin Bobby (Chalor) Huenerberg and nephews Marc and Robbie, cousin Barbara Jean (Phil) Murphy, and her beloved Mother in law, Rebecca Dixon, of North Carolina. She will also be remembered by her lifelong best friend Sandra Lucas, whose friendship began in the third grade and lasted nearly 75 years.
Barbara will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren, Melanie, Isla, Remi, Noah, Evangeline, and Dante. She was predeceased by her wonderful parents, as well as her loving brother in law and sister in law, Carl and Evelyn Dixon.
She walked closely with God all her life - in every act of love, in every rescued animal, every student she believed in, every garden she tended and every country she explored.
Now, she walks even closer.
Hand in hand again with Randy, - and reunited with her grandson Luca, whose spirit never left hers - she walks in peace, in light, and in the presence of her Creator.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 3:00 - 5:30pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South in Southbury. A private service will be held thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara's name may be made to Mercy Ships at www.mercyships.org/donate; or to Better Days Rescue Fund at www.BetterDaysRescueFund.org. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara, please visit our Tree Store.