M. Matilda Dickson

M. Matilda “Tillie” Dickson, 90, of Greensburg, peacefully passed away on March 16, 2024 in Washington, PA. She was born on June 8, 1933 to Clarence and Charlotte Makin in South Ebensburg, PA. Tillie grew up on the family farm in South Ebensburg. She graduated from Central Cambria High School in 1951. While in high school Tillie was a member of the Cambria County 4-H program, the prom queen, and secretary of the senior class. In 1951 Tillie married James Empfield who lost his life in the Korean War. Together they had one son, James. Upon his death Tillie became a licensed cosmetologist and operated a beauty shop in her home to support her young family. In 1956, Tillie married Walter Blair Dickson with whom she spent 24 wonderful years of marriage, until his death in 1980. Together they raised six children while living in various cities throughout western Pennsylvania. Tillie devoted her married life to her husband and children. She enjoyed canning homegrown fruits and vegetables, sewing for her daughters, cooking family meals, taking the kids to their numerous activities, and attending church. A favorite family activity was camping in Myrtle Beach with their good friends, The Kunkles. Upon the death of Blair, Tillie, returned to school to enhance her secretarial skills. She was soon hired by Scott Electric followed by West Penn Power where she retired in 1996. Retirement allowed Tillie to spend time on her front porch, reading books, watching her favorite soap “The Young and Restless”, and spending more time with her family. On Sundays she enjoyed watching her favorite sports team the “Pittsburgh Steelers”. She also prided herself in keeping an immaculate yard making sure there were flowers blooming throughout the season. Each year, the family looked forward to “Mom’s Thanksgiving Dinner”. She would spend days preparing all of her family’s favorite dishes and then send leftovers home with them. Everyone looked forward to this day which she continued to host up until her 87^th year. Tillie was a former member of the Eastern Star, Sojourners, and a Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary volunteer. Deceased in addition to her husbands is a son James Dickson and brothers, Jack, Clyde, Kenny, and Phillip. Tillie is survived by her children, David (Renee) of Washington, PA., Barbara Parnell (Charles) of Woodland Park, CO., Kathryn Almade (Fred) of Port St. Lucie, FL., Susan Dickson-Houser (Kim) of Greensburg and Robert (Linda) of New Alexandria, PA, two brothers, James Makin and Robert Makin (Ann) both of Ebensburg, PA., and several nieces and nephews. She is also “Gram or E” to nineteen grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren; also, daughter-in-law, Laura Dickson of Kittanning, PA. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday from 11 am to 12 pm in the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, INC. 524 N. Main St. Greensburg where her funeral service will take place at 12pm. Private Interment will take place in Twin Valley Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital @www.stjude.org or The American Cancer Society @ donate.cancer.org.  Online condolences are welcome at www.kepplegraft.com.