Lois Jean (Smith) Dickinson

On Monday, April 30th, 2018, Jean Dickinson passed away peacefully at the Glacier Hills facility where she has been a resident since September of 2015. A 4-time cancer survivor, Jean suffered a stroke in 2017 and has been battling recovery since that time. Prior to living in Glacier Hills, Lois (Jean) and family spent over 55 years as one of the original residents in Ann Arbor Woods where their home was built in 1958. Jean was a native of Grand Rapids, born on October 26th, 1927, the daughter of Darwin and Helen (Mol) Smith, and sister to brothers Darwin II and James (both deceased).

Jean was the loving wife of Thomas Lynn Dickinson (deceased) to whom she was married on September 26th, 1949 in Grand Haven, Michigan. Jean and Tom are survived by their 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Children include Thomas S. Dickinson, Timothy L Dickinson (Anja), and Susan J.D.Gott (Charles). Grandchildren include Jennifer L. Morrison, Thomas E. Dickinson, Jeffrey C. Dickinson, Sebastian Dickinson, Charles W. Gott, Rebecca J. Gott, and Jessica L. Gott. Great grandchildren include, Hadley Morrison, Natalie Dickinson, and Thomas E. Dickinson II.

Jean and Tom met in Ann Arbor while attending the University of Michigan where Jean was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Their relationship flourished and they were married shortly after their graduation, Jean with a BA degree in Mathematics, College of LS&A.

Jean’s career included working on staff of Michigan Unemployment Compensation Commission Office in Ann Arbor before joining as an office assistant within the medical practice of her Mother-in-Law, Eleanor S. Smith (Dickinson), MD, and later as the managing editor of the Journal of the Washtenaw County Medical Society as well as managing editor of the Res Ipsa Loquitor, the monthly magazine of the Washtenaw County Bar Association for nearly 25 years.

Jean was extremely active in the community. Her community service included: over 30 years participation in Motor Meals of Ann Arbor, President of the Ann Arbor Thrift, President of the Ann Arbor Women's City Club, a master docent at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Margaret Waterman University of Michigan Alumnae Club President and co-chair of Margaret Waterman Town Hall Series, Michigan League Docent, President of University of Michigan Women's Golf Association, and University of Michigan Women's M Club member.

Jean was also an active and avid Golfer, shot a pretty good game, and loved to play bridge with her many friends at the City Club and AAGO- where she was a member since 1966. She and Tom were among the 7 couples who founded the Huron Valley Swim Club.

While her greatest love was her husband, her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, her second-greatest love was that of travel and interaction with people in general. Together, she and Tom visited 100 countries throughout the world during their 62 years of marriage. Jean’s love of culture, art and her ability to socialize with people from all over the world were a truly amazing part of her personality. Jean loved to be with people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds and could easily be seen striking up a conversation and establishing a rapport, even if ‘language’ was a barrier.

Jean had an uncanny ability to put a smile on anyone’s face! She was loved by all and will be equally missed.

A Memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. A private burial service will be at Arborcrest Cemetery.

Please share a memory of Jean with her family at her online guestbook.