Obituary of Yvonne Ida Dixon

It is with great sadness that the family of Yvonne Dixon announce that our beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on August 26, 2023, at the age of 88.  Yvonne was born on a small farm south of Lac La Biche, Alberta on May 7, 1935, as the first-born child to William and Louise Duhamel, and grew up to become a shining example of resilience, strength, and love to her 9 siblings, her 5 children, 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and foster children. 

Yvonne's life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her husband, Joe Dixon (deceased), whom she married on November 3, 1955.   Together they moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta, in 1957 to Raise their Children and build their legacy.  Years of building small businesses such as Y&J Hotshots, cleaning companies and Dixons Gardens. The Garden is where we were raised, where she made the biggest impact on our community by welcoming everyone with a genuine smile and heartfelt conversation, and where she made a lasting impression on the lives of countless foster children and troubled teens. Yvonne was a natural caregiver who always put others first, and her kindness and compassion were felt by everyone she met; she was also quick to put us back in line if we needed to be told.

Yvonne was also a devoted mother to her four living children: Louise (Tim), Royce, Lavonne (Sterling), and Leanna. She never stopped loving her son Randy, who passed away as an infant.   She was a beloved grandmother to Joey (Kathy), JodyAnn (Chris), Shelly, Shawna, Bradley (Lauren) and Raeanna (Jonathan).  She took great pride and pleasure in watching her great grandchildren grow Keeden, Jared, Kolton, Jesse, Oceanna, Katelyn, AJ, Roman, Roland, Ryder and Russell. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family and was happiest when the whole family would gather for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.  She enjoyed relaxing at home and in the garden with her flowers and gardening. Granny’s kindness, warmth, and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was a devoted sister and she loved watching her younger siblings grow their families. She will be deeply missed by her siblings Winnie, Ruby, Joyce, Richard, and Ernestine. Yvonne was predeceased by both of her parents and sisters Mildred, Laurette, Laura, and Dyanna. She is ‘Aunty Yvonne’ to multiple nieces and nephews.  

Yvonne's legacy is one of love, compassion, and service. She touched the lives of countless people during her lifetime, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing that her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the example of courage and kindness she set for us all.

Yvonne will be laid to rest in the Abasand Cemetery next to her beloved Joe. After interment, we would love for everyone to join us at one of her favorite places for refreshments and to share memories at the Golden Years Society. Please know that she loved this community and everyone who knew and loved her is welcome to join us in saying goodbye and to celebrate the matriarch of our family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.