DIXON; Ellen
September 4, 1941 ~ March 9, 2016
The wonderful woman known as Ellen to her friends, Miggs to her family, and Mum to her daughter Valerie, left the physical world on March 9, 2016. What a life she had! Born in California, she lived in a number of places in the US (Colorado, Texas, Oregon) before moving to Vancouver with her first husband Tom. Although she had an impressive formal education, obtaining her BA at Reed College in Oregon and a Masters of Library Science at U.C. Berkeley, her true calling was art. While attending classes at the Vancouver Art School, she met Reg, with whom she shared her love of pottery, sculpture, gardening and farming. In 1977, Valerie was born. Ellen was crazy about her kiddo and was a fiercely passionate mother. Ellen later shared happy years with her then partner Jean, cycling, hiking, camping and enjoying the company of their friends. And throughout her life, she was surrounded by dedicated friends who enriched her life and who she valued so much. Ellen was a longtime supporter of a variety of social justice, environmental and other causes, including the Fronya Women's Centre, the Mission Transition House, and Mission for Peace. She gave her time, support and resources generously and selflessly. Ellen loved good food, animals, meaningful conversation, relationships, self-analysis and natural health. Where Ellen is now, it's a sunny day; she's wearing her favorite Tilley hat and digging in her vegetable garden with her dog and cat nearby. That would be her version of heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Ellen's favorite charities - Oxfam Canada, the David Suzuki Foundation or the World Wildlife Federation.