Our dear sweet wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away at the age of 84 from complications of Alzheimer's on July 4, 2018.Mary Ann Dickson was born June 11, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah to James Reid Dickson and Edna"Ted\" McKean. As a native of Salt Lake, she grew up with her McKean cousins and other relatives living close by. She attended West High School where she was a student body officer. It was there that she met Gene McDermott who would wow her with his many athletic abilities and charming smile.She attended the University of Utah with a full ride scholarship in Home Economics.She worked for Eastman Hatch as a secretary for two years. When Gene returned from service in the Army and after several attempts to get permission from her father, he was given the okay and they were married on June 8, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Mary Ann had a sense of humor, that has been carried on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Mary Ann was the happiest when she was around her family. She faithfully typed a letter to all of her sons and grandsons each week while they were serving LDS missions. She often included uplifting thoughts and articles. One of her greatest joys in life was planning many family cruise vacations. It was such a great bonding time for all.
Mary Ann had a great love for books, reading and learning. Not a day went by when she didn't read the Deseret News and the Wall Street Journal. She never cancelled her newspapers while on vacation so that she could read them upon her return. She kept a stack of books by her bedside and was well read on every topic from politics to historical figures and loved watching Perry Mason. She also had a great love of animals especially cats.
Mary Ann was an active member of the LDS Church where she served in many capacities. Her favorite callings involved teaching in Young Women and Relief Society. She showed great love and support in many ways to her husband through his schooling, business and church callings.
One of Mary Ann's greatest trials in her life was losing her oldest son, Steven, who passed away December 29, 2010 from cancer. We are sure there was a wonderful reunion with him and other loved ones.
Mary Ann will be sadly missed by her husband, Gene, children, Becky McDermott, daughter in law, Kathy Welling (Eric), Scott McDermott (Lisa), Robert McDermott (DeAnna), 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, brother, Jim Dickson (Rula), Lorraine McDermott, sister in law, andbrother-in-law, Lloyd McDermott (Cherie). She is preceded by her son Steven, her parents and many in-laws.
The family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers, Luisa Tapia Hogle while at home, the Legacy Village at Sugarhouse staff, Brighton Hospice and her Valley View 10th Ward family. In honor of Mary Ann, please wear something blue, her favorite color, to the service.
A viewing will be held Tuesday July 10, 2018at the Valley View 10th Ward, 1985 East 3900 South in SLC, Utah from9:00 am to 10:30 am.Funeral Services will follow at11:00 am, under the direction of Larkin Mortuary. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park located at3401 S Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT.
