Tuesday, January 27, 2026: We celebrate the brilliant life of Mary A. Dixon



August 29, 1942 ~ December 13, 2025 (age 83)

Mary Dixon lived a beautiful life, loved her family and friends deeply, and inspired many with her unwavering spirit.  On December 13th, Mary passed away peacefully in her home in Sonoma, surrounded by loved ones. She was 83 years old.  

Those who knew Mary will remember her infectious smile, her gift for laughter, and her rare ability to brighten the day of anyone she met – whether through her ministry, at the local gym, or while walking the Sonoma bike path. Though her physical presence is gone, her spirit remains a light to all who knew her.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:30 pm at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church,16290 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.

Mary was born on August 29, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Elbert and Yvonne Padgett, the second of four daughters (Johanna, Carole, and Catherine). At age nine, the family relocated to Long Beach, New York. In her mid-20’s, Mary began working as a flight attendant with Trans World Airlines (TWA), and married James Hengehold of Cincinnati, Ohio.  

In 1970, after the birth of their twin boys, they moved to California, eventually settling in Sonoma to raise their family. In addition to being a devoted mother, Mary was a vibrant member of the Sonoma community, an active tennis player and a singer with the Sonoma Valley Chorale.

In 1990, she married Thomas Dixon, MD.  Together, they built a life rooted in faith, adventure, and service.  Mary took great joy in assisting Tom with his local ophthalmology practice, and they shared countless memories with family at their cabin on the west shore of Lake Tahoe.  

Guided by a profound spirituality, Mary left a lasting impact on every church congregation in Sonoma Valley she was a part of, including St. Francis Solano, St. Leo’s, St. Andrew Presbyterian, and Trinity Episcopal.   She deepened her faith through the Catholic Cursillo Movement, and later found a powerful calling in Kairos Prison Ministry.  Alongside Tom, Mary dedicated herself to transforming the lives of those impacted by incarceration through compassion and grace.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Yvonne Padgett, and stepdaughter, Jennifer. Her legacy of love continues through her husband, Tom Dixon; her son Doug Hengehold (Meaghan) and their children Emily and Ryan; her son Mike Hengehold (partner Sue Albano) and his children Drew and Lauren. 

She is also survived by her stepson Matt Dixon (Elaine) and children Garrett and Holly; stepdaughter Anne Dixon (Toby) and children Harper and Marlo; and her sisters Johanna Barker, Carole O’Brien, and Catherine McKenzie and their families.  She also leaves many friends who will miss her dearly.

Those who knew Mary will remember her infectious smile, her gift for laughter, and her rare ability to brighten the day of anyone she met – whether through her ministry, at the local gym, or while walking the Sonoma bike path. Though her physical presence is gone, her spirit remains a light to all who knew her.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:30 pm at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 16290 Arnold Drive in Sonoma.

In honor of Mary, please consider a donation to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH).


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