LEBANON, NH — Our dear mother, Closey Faulkner Dickey, passed away peacefully on the full moon night of December 30, 2020. She died at her home on Hardy Hill in Lebanon, NH at the age of 94. She was so grateful for the wonderfully rich and adventurous life she led. Closey was warm, wise, kind, and generous. She absolutely loved people and had a genuine interest and enthusiasm for everyone she encountered. She had an uncanny ability to learn and remember one’s history. She always made a point to let you know just how much you mattered in this world.
Born to Donald M. and Isabel V. Faulkner on November 22, 1926 in Richmond, VA, Closey spent her early years playing in the neighborhood with her sister, Terry, and friends. Her family spent part of their summers at Virginia Beach. In 1940, while she was in middle school, age 13, Closey and her family bore the sudden loss of her father, Donald MacKenzie Faulkner, a prominent orthopedic surgeon. As the oldest, Closey had to take on the responsibility for the family while her mother worked. After St. Catherine’s School, where Closey performed in many plays and graduated first in her class, Closey graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Greek and Latin from Sweetbriar College in 1948; she was described as a “fascinating and invigorating conversationalist” in her yearbook.
Closey developed a love for New England and the outdoors while working for eight summers (1942-1950), at Quimby Country resort in northern Vermont as Junior Social Director. When she started her teaching career in NYC, she met the love of her life. In June 1953, Closey married Stephen Whitney (Whit) Dickey of Chestnut Hill, PA (Yale, ’45W) in Richmond, VA. They spent their honeymoon sailing on the coast of Maine, and Closey began her life of adventure, skiing and sailing with her husband for the following 60 years. Together they raised six children (five sons and one daughter), moving from place to place (New York City; New Canaan, CT; Wayne, IL; and Saddle River, NJ) while Whit first worked for the American Brake Shoe Company, and then as a bank president (Bennington, VT (1960-73); New Bedford, MA, (1973-78)). In 1978, Whit became the President of the National Bank of Lebanon, and they built their house on Hardy Hill in Lebanon, NH. With their strong passion for gardening, they transformed the property from an empty field to a beautiful home with a pond surrounded by a gardener’s paradise.
Wherever she lived, Closey made many friends and was a strong community member. In the 1960s and 70s, Closey promoted composting and curbside recycling. She sang tenor in the New Bedford Choral Society and the Thetford Chamber Singers. To honor her late father, she supported many medical organizations in the Upper Valley, including Alice Peck Day Hospital, the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and the Dartmouth Institute. She was also a promoter of local theatre and the arts through her support for Ava Gallery, Northern Stage, The Lebanon Opera House, and Camarata New England; of the environment through Vermont Center for Ecostudies and the Upper Valley Land Trust; and many other nonprofits through the NH Charitable Foundation. Closey and Whit shared a passion for generosity in the community because they wanted to give back to the place which gave them so much happiness.
For vacation, Whit and Closey usually turned to sailing and skiing. They loved their summer home, “Quarry Cove”, their property at the head of Somes Sound in Mt. Desert, ME. They delighted in watching their grandchildren play outdoors and picnic on the beach.
Following the loss of her husband Whit in 2013, Closey kept her mind sharp by reading and playing bridge. Although she had to face many health challenges in old age, (as she would say, “Old age ain’t for sissies!”), she lived happily because of her joy for people; she was a wonderful friend, listener, and confidant to many people including her children, grandchildren, and her devoted team of caregivers. She will be deeply missed because her wisdom, courage, and optimism were a great comfort to many.
Closey Dickey is survived by her sister Terry Phillips of Morgan, VT; her brother Don Faulkner and wife, Mary, of Montpelier, VT; her children, Whit, of New York City; Spoon and his wife, Renee, of Seattle, WA; John and his wife, Julie, of South Hamilton, MA; Colt and his wife, Lynn, of San Rafael, CA; and Clo and her husband, Bruce, of Anchorage, AK; plus 9 grandchildren. Closey was predeceased by her husband, Whit; her son, Don, and grandson, Alexander, of West Lebanon, NH.
Due to COVID, no service is planned at this time. Contributions in memory and celebration of Closey Dickey’s life may be made to the Vermont Center for Ecostudies or through the NH Charitable Foundation.
To leave a message of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.