Karen C. Dickey, 58, of Cushing, formerly of Warren, died Dec. 9 at her home following a courageous battle with Leukemia. Mrs. Dickey had successfully beaten lung cancer, and was the longest post-diagnosed survivor of Lymbic Encephalitis.
She was born June 9, 1951 in Gloucester, Mass., a daughter of Lennart Oscar and Ilona Wilhemina (Putansuu) Johnson.
Mrs. Dickey was a graduate of Gloucester High School, a member of the class of 1972.
On Nov. 20, 1993 she married Herman E. Dickey in Cushing.
Over the years she worked at Exeter, N.H. area schools in the cafeteria; Kno-Wal-Lin Home Health Care; Newavom; and ran a home day care. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Kensington, N.H.
Mrs. Dickey loved tending her gardens, raising animals and loved children. In 1986, she moved her family from New Hampshire to Cushing where they purchased the old Spear farm which she lovingly referred to as “the house on the hill.” Her heart and home were always open to friends and family at all times. She often offered a safe, loving haven to friends in need of all ages. She loved her family and often referred to them as “yours, mine and the extras.” She enjoyed knitting baby blankets for every new addition to the family. She loved the ocean, being on a boat or just sitting near and enjoying the sounds and smells. She loved to travel and made each trip a new adventure. She had a great sense of humor, always cracking a joke or making you laugh. She had a way of finding and making you appreciate the joys in life. She was honest and did not hesitate to let anyone know what she was thinking.
Mrs. Dickey is preceded in death by her father in 2009 and a son, James Dickey in 1995.
In addition to her mother of Kensington, N.H. and her loving husband of more than 16 years of Cushing, Mrs. Dickey is survived by daughters, Paula Byrnes and husband Robert Lawson of Cushing, and Carol Fulmine and husband Gene of Pembroke, Mass.; sons, Steve Byrnes Jr. and wife Cathy of Newport, N.C., Brian Soiett of Cushing, Robert Soiett and fiancée Melissa Walden of Warren, and Thomas Dickey and wife Wendy of Laconia, N.H., adopted son, E. Dennis Killeran and wife Jessica of Cushing; brother, Butchie Johnson and wife Bonnie of Gloucester, Mass.; sisters, Rosanne Robinson and husband Lee of Warren; Alice Cazemiro and husband John of Kensington, N.H., and Ramona Houston and husband Scott of Oakland, Cal.; “extra” son, Matt Knutson and wife Lianne; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandson; many much loved nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; two previous husbands, with whom she remained close friends, Stephen Byrnes Sr., and Blair Soiett; and her dog, Boogie.
Service to celebrate Mrs. Dickey’s life will be announced in the spring.
Should friends so desire, donations in Mrs. Dickey’s memory may be made to the Bob Gagnon Cancer Fund, c/o Northeast Health, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841.
Arrangements are under the direction of Smeltzer Family Cremation and Funeral Service, Waldoboro.
