Mary Norman Dickerson

1939 - 2023

Mary Norman (Normie) Dickerson (83) died on Friday, October 27th in her home in Little Falls, NJ. Normie grew up in Washington, Virginia and graduated from Mary Washington College in 1961 with a degree in math. After graduation, she took a position teaching math and English for two years in Japan through the Episcopal Church. It was at her going away party that she met her future husband, the Rev. Park Dickerson. They married shortly after her return. Normie was a passionate and creative educator. She received her Masters in Education from Plymouth State College in 1983 and taught math for more than 30 years in both public and private schools, including Hanover, NH, Mascoma, NH, and Montclair, NJ. In 2000, she retired from Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) after 18 years in various positions, including Head of Campus at the Middle School. She spent her life helping others, including volunteering at a Navajo reservation when she was a junior in college, bringing meals to shut-ins, and organizing activities for children at a homeless shelter. She and Park retired to Salem, Virginia in 2000. During retirement, she was an active member and leader at the Salem Museum as well as Glade Church in Blacksburg, Virginia. She was also an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs. She enjoyed hosting gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren and her dog Remy. She even organized summer activities for her grandchildren at what the family called "Camp Gran." In March of 2022, she moved back to New Jersey to be closer to family. Normie loved her family fiercely and could always be counted on when they needed her. Normie is predeceased by her husband, Park, her son, Benjamin Dickerson, and her brother, George Davis. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Carmichael, and son-in-law, Clark Scott Carmichael; her daughter-in-law, Ellen See; her sisters, Drucilla Knutsen and Dorothy Jones. Normie is also survived by her grandchildren, Sean & Sara Carmichael, and Victoria & Garrett Dickerson. A memorial service of celebration will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Glade Church in Blacksburg, Virginia or to The Ehlers-Danlos Society.