SALEM - Arlene L. (McNeill) Dickinson, 83, of Salem, loving wife of the late Carroll F. Dickinson, died Thursday, February 14, 2013 at her residence following a long illness.
Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Guy A. and Estelle C. (Cottle) McNeill. She was a graduate of Salem High School and was a lifelong resident of the city.
In her early years, Arlene taught ceramics for the City of Salem Recreation department, and later in her home. She volunteered at NSMC. She loved living in Salem and her favorite place was at home with her family, where she taught us all to Count our Blessings.
In her last months, Arlene remained in her home due to the support of wonderful care givers from Freedom Home Care and the Hospice of the North Shore. A loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she will be missed by all who loved her.
She is survived by a son Guy F. Dickinson of Salem, a daughter, Beverly Tarsook of Salem, three grandchildren, Shawn Dickinson, Kyle Dickinson, Matthew Tarsook, one sister, Helen Call of Salem and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Danielle Tarsook, and was the sister of the late Robert McNeill, Joan Dunn, Patricia Lang and Grace Gaudet.
Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 11am at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial is in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B102, Danvers, MA 01923, The Northeast ARC, Autism Support Center, 64 Holton St. Danvers, MA 01923 (www.ne-arc.org/giving/index.htm) or to the Plummer Home for Boys, 37 Winter Island Rd., Salem, MA 01970. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.