Joyce Allene Dickinson

Joyce Allene Dickinson, 65, of Durham, Oregon, died March 6, 2017 at home after a courageous battle against MSA (Multiple System Atrophy). She was born May 22, 1951, in Eugene, Oregon the daughter of Robert (Bob) and MaryAnn Bonney Dickinson. Joyce graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland, Oregon with the class of 1969. She graduated from Oregon State University in May 1973. In 1976 she started her career as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Glaxo Smith Kline, where she was employed for 30 years. On July 12, 1986 she was united in marriage to Larry Pederson in Portland. In July 1988, their son, Grant Robert Pederson was born. In 1989 they moved to Durham, Oregon. Joyce retired from GSK in 2006, and worked as a teacher’s aid and learning assistant in the Tigard-Tualatin School District, leveraging her passion for education and learning. In her spare time she enjoyed golf, skiing, reading and simply spending time with her friends, family and children. She also loved to travel and some of her favorite trips were to Italy, Ireland, Australia, Greece and Portugal. She is survived by her husband Larry Pederson of Durham, OR; son, Grant Pederson and his wife Lainie Gunsul Pederson of Beaverton, OR; her grandson Gunnar Pederson; her mother MaryAnn Dickinson of Wilsonville, OR; a sister, Cindy Dardis of Portland, OR. Joyce also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert G. “Bob” Dickinson. A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held March 25, 2-5 pm at the Tualatin Country Club at: 9145 SW Tualatin Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062 Please no flowers or other items. Joyce requested that any memorials may be made in her memory to: The Foundation for Tigard Tualatin Schools 6960 SW Sandburg St. Tigard, OR 97223 And/or: Meals on Wheels People 8815 SW O'Mara St. Tigard, OR 97223