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Mass of Christian Burial for Angeline DexterOn Monday, October 19, 2020, our Lord reached down his hand and led our angel on Earth, Angeline Clara DeRosa Dexter, to heaven. We know she was greeted by her loving husband Norm, her daughter Cyndi, her mom Anna and dad John, her sister Mary and brothers Marion and Bobby, and a host of beloved family and friends.
Angie was born on October 5, 1928 in Logansport, Indiana. Her family lived above the grocery store they owned until Angie was 9 years old. It was the time of the Great Depression, and the family moved to a farm on the northwest edge of Logansport where Angie loved to ride horses, climb trees, and explore the wooded acres.
She attended Saint Joseph grade school and she graduated from Logansport High School in 1946. It was there that she met the love of her life, Norman P. Dexter, who sat behind her in class. Who knew using the alphabetic seating order could create destiny? While Norm was serving in the Navy overseas during WWII, they continued their romance through letters. Angie went on to earn her degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Lafayette, Indiana, graduating as a Registered Nurse on May 19, 1949. When Norm returned from serving overseas, they were married on April 23, 1949 and continued to set the gold standard of a loving marriage until Norm’s death on December 1, 1999. Angie greeted Norm at the door with a kiss every time he came home. Only their dog, Bogi, could beat her to the door! And they loved to dance! Perfect dance partners, it was always a treat to watch them skillfully traverse the dance floor and see the joy on their faces.
They had eight children in the first 11 years following their marriage: Beth, Cynthia, Audrey, John Brock, Norman Jr, Mark, Martha, and Diane. From these 8 children, Angie became the grandmother of 23, great-grandmother of 30, and great-great-grandmother of 7 beautiful souls. She remembered each and every birthday for all 68 of us plus spouses and always sent a greeting card. Each Christmas, she shopped from September through December to ensure each member of her family had a gift to open at our annual Christmas Eve celebration.
One would be hard pressed to find a more patient, loving, kind, thoughtful, generous and selfless person. Angie was a natural caregiver and truly an angel here on Earth. She raised her 8 children while also taking care of her father-in-law for 12 years, the last year of which he was bedridden. She was always there when family, a friend or a neighbor was in need. Angie continued her nursing career at Bethesda Oak Hospital and then Bethesda North Hospital. After retiring from Bethesda, she continued to care for others, working at Cottingham Retirement Community until retiring to stay home with Norm, who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Angie was known to make and deliver her delicious soup to those who were alone or in need. One could never leave her home without a “care package” of goodies. She listened with an open heart and an empathetic mind. She was a guiding force for good, and her advice was always given with love and honesty.
Her sense of humor was beyond compare! While feeding the ducks at the pond on the property where she lived her final years, she decided to eat some of the bread herself. Her sons told her, “Mom – that’s for the ducks!”. To which she replied “quack quack”. She kept us laughing, even when times were difficult for her. She was always gracious and grateful to those around her, and carried herself with grace and dignity to the end.
She was an active and engaged member of Beta Sigma Phi, serving in the roles of Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary, and Gifts Committee Chair. She formed lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters that continued until her passing.
Devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, friend and neighbor. You taught us all how to give of ourselves and how to love. A life well lived, a life well loved, a peace well earned. You are dancing once again with Norm in Heaven.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 23, 2020 at Good Shepherd Church, 8815 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the
American Diabetes Association