LaVada Jo McVay Dixon
LaVada Jo McVay Dixon, 82, died peacefully Friday, February 17, 2023, in her home at Foxdale Village, State College.
Jo was born November 25, 1940, in Dunns Station, 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, Minn. 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. 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 along with 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 from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marylyn Avenue, State College. 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.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home.
Condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.