Gertrude K. Dickey, 85

DOVER - Gertrude K. Dickey of Dover died in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover on Saturday June 2, 2007, after an extended illness. She was 85.

She was born and reared in St. Hedwig"s Parish, Wilmington, the daughter of the late Dominick and Eva Kopanski.

She was an alumna of Wilmington High School, class of "40 and Moore Institute of Art in Philadelphia.

A gifted artist, Gertrude enjoyed the travels that her husband"s Air Force career afforded. She thrived on discovering what each new location had to offer.

Never a joiner, Gertrude would discover and befriend artisans wherever the family was stationed.

She immersed herself in the Japanese culture and became a familiar figure in the artisan workshops of Okinawa as well as an active member of Ikebana International.

As a stay-at-home mother, she was deeply involved in her children"s day to day activities. Her home was always filled with neighborhood children because she was the kindest and most generous mom around.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Agnes; and brother, Stephen.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Col. Thomas P. Dickey, U.S. Air Force retired; son, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas P. Dickey Jr., U.S. Navy retired; daughter, Eva M. Dickey; son, Lt. Col. Christopher B. Dickey, U.S. Army retired and his wife, Col. Mary B. Dickey, U.S. Army retired and their three children, Kate, Thomas and Christopher.

Memorial service and burial will be held 2 p.m., Monday in the Veteran"s Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the USO Delaware Inc.; or the Good Shepherds Fund of the 1st Sergeants Council, Dover Air Force Base, DE.

Local arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com.