It is with great sadness that the family of Dixie Mae Kinnear (née Allen) announce her passing peacefully on May 30, 2026, with her family by her side in Thunder Bay, Ontario, at the age of 78.
Dixie was born on June 28, 1947, and spent her entire life in Emo, Ontario, a community she loved deeply and proudly called home. On July 2, 1966, she married the love of her life, Don Kinnear, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly sixty years and was built on devotion, family, and friendship.
Dixie is lovingly remembered by her husband Don Kinnear; her children Allen (Tammy) Kinnear, Carla (Kim) Penner, and Scott (Colleen) Kinnear; and her cherished grandchildren Alyssa (Lucas), Amy (Riley), Tasha (Ben), Marissa (Luke), Carter, Paiten and Jasmine. She has seven great-grandchildren Paisley and Lane, Rhett, Colton, Kendal, and Carmen. She also leaves behind her brother Dean (Sandy) Allen of Thunder Bay, Ontario, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Dixie was predeceased by her parents Stan and Annice Allen in 1991; mother and father-in-law Howard and Gladys Kinnear and by her sister Elaine and brother-in-law Bud Hebert. Dixie is also survived by sister-in-law Karen (Tom) Wacker and brother-in-law Myles (Teddiane) Kinnear.
A dedicated and hardworking member of the community, Dixie spent 43 years working at the Emo Post Office, retiring in 2012. Throughout her life, she also worked as a waitress at the Can-Am, operated as a registered hairdresser from her home, and spent summers working in Sioux Narrows while Don was employed on the Kenora highway project. After her retirement at the post office, Dixie worked casually for Northridge Funeral Home where she met many friends, and coworkers.
Dixie believed strongly in giving back to her community. She volunteered countless hours at the Emo Hospital Cafeteria, the Emo Walleye Classic Tournament, Meals on Wheels, and many other local events whenever help was needed. Her willingness to lend a hand and her warm, friendly nature touched many lives.
Family was at the centre of everything Dixie did. She treasured her morning walks with friends and could often be found at the hockey rink cheering on her children and later her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending stock car races with Don and was a loyal supporter of the Fort Frances Lakers, holding season memberships for many years. Earlier in life, Dixie and her family spent countless enjoyable hours in Manitoba following harness racing, creating memories that would be cherished for generations.
Dixie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.
Honourary Pallbearers will be Thelma Ogden, Helen Cates, Debbie Halverson, Diane Bonot, Mary Curtis, June Winik, Mavis St. Hilaire, Lorraine Rey, Carol Hyatt, Sheila Anness, Anne Wallen, and special mention to the nurses of the A1 oncology floor in Thunder Bay who took such wonderful care of mom during her stay there.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, Ontario. A lunch and time of fellowship will follow immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dixie’s honour to Riverside Health Care or the Canadian Cancer Society. The family appreciates the support of these organizations and the care and services they provide to the community.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have offered support, kindness, and condolences during this difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
“Her love, laughter, and caring spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.”
