Obituary of LaVada Jo McVay Dixon

LaVada Jo McVay Dixon, age 82, died peacefully on February 17, 2023 at her home at Foxdale Village, State College.

Jo was born November 25, 1940 in Dunns Station, PA, the youngest of five children. She graduated from Trinity High School in 1959. After graduation, she attended the Humboldt Institute Airline Secretarial School in Minneapolis, MN. From there, she was sent to New York City where she worked for National Airlines. In 1961, Jo began working in the Dean's Office of the Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. She remained there until 1981. In 1972, Jo married Joseph Dixon. She and Joe traveled together to many countries, including Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, and Panama.

Jo was a dedicated, long-time member of the State College Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed cooking and liked to experiment with new recipes. Jo took pleasure in planning and caring for her flower gardens, especially the many varieties of tall bearded iris. For years Jo attended Penn State University football games and was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Above all, Jo enjoyed people and took time to get to know those around her whether strangers passing by while she weeded the garden, or the nurses and staff who cared for her at Foxdale.

Jo was predeceased by her parents, Gladys Miller McVay and Robert Bell McVay; her brother Robert McVay, sister Edith Chapman, brother Bud McVay and her husband, Joseph Dixon. She is survived by her sister, Mona Lou Dunn, Mona Lou's daughter, Jennifer, and son, Greg; Joseph Dixon's, daughter, Kathleen Swift, and son, Brian, and by many nieces, nephews, and step grandchildren. She will be missed by all those who loved her.

An informal celebration of Jo's life will be held on April 8, 2023 from 12 noon until 2pm at Foxdale Village. All are welcome.

Jo was a driver for Park Forest Preschool for many years and a firm believer in the importance of preschool education. In lieu of flowers, she asks that donations be made to the Park Forest Preschool Fund through the Centre Foundation/ 1377 Ridge Master Drive/ State College/PA 16803. 814-237-6229 or www.centre-foundation.org.