Kathryn Dixon

DIAMOND—Kathryn Jenny Dixon (nee Lardi), 100, of Diamond, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at her home.
Born April 15, 1921 in Clark City, IL, Katie was the daughter of James Sr. and Catherine (Motta) Lardi. She married John Dixon Sr. on July, 3, 1941. Katie was endlessly hardworking and energetic. She and John owned and operated Dixon's Tavern and Restaurant, where Kate served up meals nightly, while John tended bar. The couple raised three children on Braidwood's Main Street, while operating the business.
In time, Katie became a licensed beautician and opened her own salon on Front Street in Braidwood. After her “retirement” from the salon, Katie earned her real estate license and became an agent with Onorato Real Estate in Braidwood. During that time, she also served as Wilmington Township Assessor. Always on the go, Katie was a member of the Braidwood Chamber of Commerce and the Immaculate Conception Church. Her help was crucial to the Braidwood Volunteer Fire Department, as the Dixon household on Main Street served as the communication hub for the department. The emergency phone connected to the Dixon home, where Katie answered it and rang the fire bell.
Katie raised chickens and grew pumpkins. She was a hustler at the euchre table and would happily steal your deal if you weren't paying attention. Katie will be remembered most as a loving mother and grandmother who always made family time meaningful and fun.
Surviving are three children: John (Cathy) Dixon Jr., Judy Chinski and Jay (Elizabeth) Dixon; six grandchildren: Dan (Chandra) Chinski II, Jamie (Darren) Mack, Jill Chinski, John (Nicole) Dixon III, Judiann Chinski, Jenae (Allan) Barlan, Michelle Reddinger and Adam (Kristi) Roberts; 16 great-grandchildren: Kaylie (Michael) Barrow, Paige and Hayden Mack, Hunter and Darby O'Shea, John IV, Isabella, and Sophia Dixon, Lucas and Gemma Barlan Zach, Sam, and Caleb Redding, Cooper and Zoe Roberts, and Shelby O'Reilly; two great-great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Michael Barrow; and sister, Betty Van Duyne; brother, James (Bernice) Lardi and sister-in-law, Ann Lardi.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, John (2001); two brothers, Joe and Chuckie Lardi; three sisters: Tressa Lardi, Tisha Payne and Rosie Van Duyne; two brothers-in-law, LeRoy and Allie Van Duyne and son-in-law, Dan Chinski.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial visitation for Katie will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory, Monday, May 10, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. with the memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. Pastor Dale Tolly will officiate.
Private inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
All attendees will be required to wear face masks and follow social distancing protocols. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be directed to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, formerly known as Joliet Area Community Hospice.
For more information and to visit her online guestbook, log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.

Category: