Irene D. Peterson Dixon

Born on August 2, 1932 Irene was the daughter of Alfred and Dorothy Peterson. Since she was the second-born daughter she quickly learned to be responsible and respectful. Irene was an active child who had a mind of her own and wasn't afraid to show it. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Irene's personality throughout her life.

Though Irene was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Irene was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. Irene was raised with five siblings; Jane, Ruth, Barbara, Karen, and Dennis. Irene and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another. She often shared memories of helping her Dad out with feeding his chickens and pumping gas at his gas staton.

Irene was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Irene cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Roy and Irene exchanged vows at St. Paul's Catholic Rectory of Ramsey, New Jersey on July 22, 1950. Compassionate and devoted, Irene worked hard to make her new life partner happy. The couple was blessed with their firstborn child, Susie on July 1, 1951.

Of course, things weren't always sunny. On October 4, 1976 the family's beloved Timmy died suddenly immediately after being diagnosed with leukemia. It hit the family very hard. It took many years for the family to recover from their loss. Other happy events came along. Everyone enjoyed fun vacations to many places, more weddings came along and life continued.

The little family decided to follow Mom Dorothy and Dad Alfred to sunny Florida in 1957. Their first house was built in 1958 and daughter Sandy was born on September 21, 1961. Timmy followed on September 2, 1963; the family joke was that Mom labored on Labor Day. Pat followed on June 25, 1965. It was time for a bigger house. Along came Steve on November 2, 1972 while Sue was away at college. Kevin rounded off the numbers on August 6, 1975 - just a few months before Sue's wedding!

Irene kept busy throughout all these years. Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Irene to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Irene did her fair share of volunteer work, from being a Scout Mother to her position as the President of the Friends of the Arts Committee. She would never shy away from taking the lead to help, whether it be a local charitable event, or something for one of the clubs at school for any of her children. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. She was a hardworking and loyal employee at the U.S. Postal Service for over thirty years and, after her retirement, she became an active member of the Elks Club.

Irene passed away on November 16, 2011 at Kindred Hospital in Riviera Beach, FL. She is survived by her husband Roy Dixon, her sons, Steven (Cathleen Moore) Dixon, Kevin Dixon, Patrick (Julie) Dixon, her daughters, Susan Christensen, Sandy (Jeff) Schwartz , her sisters, Jane Van Syckle, Barbara Zembriski, Ruth Jones, Karen Dunn, and her brother Dennis Peterson. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 28th, 2011, 11:00 am at St. Lucie Catholic Church, 280 SW Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. PH: 772-878-1215.

Irene was a wonderful artist with a beautiful voice and a great talent for painting, an avid Yoga enthusiast, a winning game-player and a conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. Whenever she said something, she meant it. Irene was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss her.