Dixie Lee Hollister

Dixie Lee Hollister of Lansing, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a courageous and brief battle with cancer on December 4, 2024.

Dixie was born in Ithaca, NY on August 10, 1944, to the late Frances M. (Wood) Baker and Harvey E. (Cannonball) Baker. She was a 1963 graduate of Lansing High School.

Dixie married Richard Hollister on November 24, 1964. They shared 56 years together until Richard's passing in June of 2020. Together, Dixie and Richard raised 4 beautiful children who will miss her dearly.

Dixie was a hard worker and enjoyed working at the Ithaca Bakery for 24 years until her retirement. She enjoyed working in her flower beds, especially tending to her large displays of Iris. She also enjoyed dancing at many of the local establishments with her family and friends. Her greatest joy other than her children and grandchildren was celebrating Christmas. Decorating her entire house from head to toe gave her immense satisfaction and joy. Part of her joy of Christmas was spoiling her children and grandchildren with gifts and love. Often, she would spend more than she could afford, but she always wanted Christmas to be special. Spending time with her family was the most important thing in her life. She always enjoyed family gatherings, most recently her 80th birthday celebration at Myers Park in Lansing.

Dixie's pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She was often found supporting their endeavors in sports and music and loved spending time with all of them. She will be greatly missed.

Dixie is survived by her children, Melinda Sweazey (Tom), Scott Hollister (Kathii), Matthew Hollister (Angie), and Katie Heisler (David). Grandchildren, Kyle Sweazey (Dyian), Taylor Sweazey, Dalton Hollister, Avery Hollister (Garrett Downing), Leah Hollister (Nate Sill), Cooper Hollister, Gabe Hollister, Hudson Heisler, Kinley Heisler, and Great Grandchildren, Christian Sweazey and Lauren Sweazey. Siblings, Harvey Baker (Shelly), Danny Baker (Norma Howland Swarup), JoAnn Jones (Chris), Frankie Nolan and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dixie was predeceased by her husband Richard, brother Randy Baker, niece Jessie Baker and nephew Timothy Baker.

As per Dixie's wishes, there will be no formal services. A celebration of her life will be held on July 4, 2025, at the annual Hollister 4th of July celebration. Please contact Scott or Melinda for further details.

Contributions in memory of Dixie can be made to Franciska Racker Center, Ronald McDonald House, or the Vietnam Veterans of America Finger Lakes Chapter 377, 2272 Dryden Road, Dryden, NY 13053.

Dixie's family would like to thank Cayuga Medical Center, especially the staff at the Cayuga Cancer Center, and Ithaca Hospicare for their compassionate care.