Proud great-grandmother, volunteer, marriage and family therapist

Leonaine (Wells) Dixon died peacefully in her sleep on January 26.

She was born February 29, 1936 in Porterville, California, the daughter of Dwight Wells and Iva (Coates) Wells. She and her younger brother Roger Wells, who predeceased her, were raised in Porterville. She graduated from Bakersfield High School and attended Bakersfield City College. She and her husband, Dick Dixon, settled in Claremont in 1965.

“She had recently moved to Northern California, and was able to hold one of her youngest great-granddaughters for the very first time, which gave her such joy,” her family shared. “Although she was 87, her death was a bit of a shock, as she was excited about her move, had been in good spirits, talking and laughing with family days before.”

She was successful throughout her life, leveraging her interests into her work life. She volunteered at Claremont Presbyterian Church, worked at Claremont Unified School District, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (now California Botanic Garden), and became a marriage and family therapist after completing her master’s degree.

“Leonaine was passionate about gardening, weaving, and was a book lover at heart,” her family added. “She loved hearing about everyone’s experiences and adventures, and talking about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, which brought her so much joy. She was proud of each of them. Everyone will miss her dearly.”

She is survived by her children, Holly Lay, Mike Dixon (Susan), Randy Dixon (Mary), Lori Spencer (Tom) and Richard Dixon Jr (Carrie). She was “nana” to her 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and with extended families, 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

“Our mom supported the good work of the Uncommon Good organization which empowers families through education and health. If you would like to donate in legacy for our mom, Leonaine Dixon, visit uncommongood.org.”

Services were held privately.