Helen Florence Dixon

Helen was born on August 4, 1934 to Louis and Emily Sawa on their family farm near Fenwood, SK, the third of six children, and passed away November 25, 2019 at the age of 85 years.

Life on the farm in those days was hard, but was made easier with the family bonds that were created. These were times when treats were MacIntosh apples and going to school was by cutter and horse. These family bonds lasted through the years.

Helen completed her elementary education at Dawn School near Melville, SK, grade 9 and 10 by correspondence, and her high school education at Melville High School.

From an early age, Helen knew she wanted to be a teacher.  She accepted a study supervision job to earn money to pay her way through college.  She always valued education and shared her love of learning with students and family throughout her life.  She received her teaching certificate from Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

On July 18, 1959, she married Wilmar Dixon. They had four daughters, Debra, Charlene, Donalee and Loreen. They lived on the Dixon family farm and farmed for 10 years in Freedhome District.

After staying at home to raise “their four girls”, they moved to Stockholm, SK, where she returned to teaching while Wilmar continued to farm. Her teaching career spanned thirty years in a number of school districts with the majority spent at P.J. Gillen School in Esterhazy, SK.  Being a firm and fair teacher, she influenced many children in positive ways and was often referred to by many of her students as one of their “favourite teachers.”

She loved to spend time in her gardens, crafting, crocheting (especially angels) and camping, but her most treasured memories were made spending time with family.

Her retirement was most enjoyable, relaxing, and rewarding.  Soon after Wilmar passed away, she moved to Regina in 2012.

She was predeceased by her husband Wilmar, her two sisters (Eileen, Doreen), and her brother (Clarence).

Helen is survived by her four daughters, Debra (Perry), Charlene (Glen), Donalee (Jim), Loreen (Shawn); seven grandchildren Amanda (Ryan), Ashley, Jeffrey, Adrian, Nolan, Heidi, Lukas; and four great-grandchildren Austin, Emma, Erin, Avery.  She is also survived by one brother, one sister, two sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many friends.