Obituary of Virginia B. Dickey

CANISTEO: Virginia B. Dickey, 96, formerly of Cty. Rte. 30, (the Swale Rd.), passed away peacefully Friday (May 23, 2014) at McAuley Manor where she had resided since 2008. Virginia was born November 20, 1917 in the town of Howard, to Lewis and Gertrude (House) Burns. On October 19, 1940 in Addison, she married Sidney G. Dickey who predeceased her in April of 2001. She was also predeceased by a sister Margaret Hartman in 2007. Virginia was a graduate of the former Canisteo Academy, class of 1937. In high school she was active in orchestra as well as basketball and track. From 1934-1941 she played saxophone in a dance band called the Rhythm Ramblers, which played anywhere from Canisteo and Hornell to Scio and Wellsville. After graduation she worked at Wilcox Department Store in Canisteo until her marriage. She spent many years as an active farm wife. It was not unusual to find a baby calf or lamb in a box behind the woodstove in the dining room, where it was rubbed with a blanket and bottle fed until it was healthy enough to return to the barn. Virginia always had beautiful flowers as well as a bountiful vegetable garden. Winters on the Swale were always an adventure and the family was often snowed in waiting for the" snow-blow" to open the road. Virginia had worked in the former Gardner's Clothing Store, in Canisteo, during the 60's and 70's. In September of 1979 she was appointed Historian for the Town of Canisteo. In the position she worked to organize the Kanestio Historical Society. With the help of others this dream came to in 1984. After meeting in various locations around the village the Society was finally able to open a home of its own in June of 1994. Virginia is survived by two sons: George Dickey and Glen (Lee Ann) Dickey, two daughters: Gail (Gary) Davis and Joyce (Frank) Burdick all of Canisteo, as well as six grand children and 14 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 1-3 and 6-8 PM Tuesday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc, Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo where a funeral service will take place Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo. Memorial contributions in Virginia Dickey's name may be made to the Kanestio Historical Society, 23 Main Street, Canisteo, N.Y. 14823. Service: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 11:00 AM H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. 29 East Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. Visitation: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 1-3 and 6-8 PM H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. 29 East Main St. Canisteo, N.Y.