Dixie P. Mack, 81, of Bedford, died Sunday May 17, 2020 at the Ridgewood Center, Bedford. She was born in Manchester on February 15, 1939, a daughter of the late Wallace and Grace (Pillsbury) Mack, Jr.

Dixie was her father’s pride and joy, as he had always wanted a girl. She grew up on the family apple farm, Moose Hill Orchards, in Londonderry. Farm life suited her. As a young woman, she had a horse and pony — something she spoke of for decades after. Kind and gentle, Dixie was well-suited for horsemanship. 

She attended Pinkerton Academy, and later, Colby College in Maine. Although disability kept her from finishing a degree, it did not hinder her spirit. She possessed a joyous heart and had a great love of life and people. 

Laughter came easily to Dixie. Her friends were lifelong, and along life’s journey she added many more: from caregivers and residents of the places she lived, to people she met on her outings. An expert at making friends, she was the unofficial “mayor” of her floor at Ridgewood where she resided for the last 11 years.

Her greatest joys were visiting with her daughter Donna, and grandson Henry … and being doted upon by her two elder brothers.

Dixie is survived by her daughter, Donna Hudson, husband, Dan, and grandson, Henry, of Andover; her brother, Andrew Mack, Sr. of Londonderry; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was predeceased by her brother, Wally, but will be missed by his loving wife, Pilar, who currently resides in Richmond, Virginia.

A memorial gathering and marker dedication will take place at the family farm on Mammoth Road in Londonderry at a future time to be determined. The Peabody Funeral Homes of Derry and Londonderry is assisting the family with arrangements. To send a condolence or for more information, please visit PeabodyFuneralHome.com.