Irene V. Dickinson of Clarks Summit, PA and Inverness, FL, passed away June 28, 2023 at Highland Place in Inverness. Born December 24, 1930 in Bernhard’s Bay, NY, she was the daughter of F. Rolland and Shoudy Edwards Dickinson. She was a graduate of Mansfield University, PA receiving her B.S. in Music Education and her M.A. degree from the University of Illinois. She taught instrumental music at Abington Heights High School, Clarks Summit, PA for 33 years before retiring in 1984.
During her tenure at Abington Heights she was the Coordinator of the Music Department and received many honors for her fine Marching and Concert Band programs. In addition she was the musical director and producer of several musicals. Irene’s talent and ability to motivate and inspire students made Abington Heights music program outstanding and recognized throughout the state. She was also very active in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, having hosted many District, Regional and All-State Band Festivals. In 1981 she received the distinguished honor of becoming the first woman high school band director to be inducted into the Pennsylvania Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, an International Bandmaster’s Fraternity.
Following her retirement Irene enjoyed a successful career in real estate as a Realtor/Broker with Nicholas Associates in Clark Summit for 15 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, having served as an elder, a past member of the Scranton Tennis Club and a past member of the Inverness, FL Golf & Country Club.
Irene is survived by several nieces and nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Wallace, Donald, Bruce and one sister, Dorothy Vail.
There will be no public viewing or funeral. Interment will be private at the Lakeside Cemetery, Bernhard’s Bay, NY. Cremation arrangements are under the care of the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with crematory, Inverness, FL.
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