Deborah "Debbie" Dickinson

DEBORAH (“Debbie”) RUTH DICKINSON (nee CARDONICK) passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023 at University of Pennsylvania Hospital surrounded by her adoring family after a rapid decline in health, at 78 years of age.

Debbie is survived by her devoted husband of 36 years, Kenneth Dickinson, her two loving children, Michael Wolk and Jacqueline (Patrick Jones) Wolk, and her grandchildren Gabriel, Celia and Eleanor. Debbie is predeceased by her parents Albert and Bess Cardonick.

Debbie was born March 2, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A proud Philly woman through and through, she lived her entire life in and around the area. After graduating Germantown High School, she attended Temple University from where she received an Associate’s degree. In her young adult years, Debbie was a fashion model, pageant competitor, and, after being crowned Miss Pennsylvania in 1963, participated in the 1964 Miss Universe Pageant. She went on to thrive as a self-made woman as a stockbroker and portfolio manager for the financial firms and banks fortunate enough to have her on their team. Debbie was an outspoken advocate of animal welfare and cared for all creatures of the Earth and sky; her seven beloved dogs and two horses will, without a doubt, miss her greatly.

Debbie engaged everyone she met with sparkling wit, humor and intelligence. Even at the end of her life, Debbie made hospital staff laugh with many of her innumerable funny and at times incredible stories.

It is difficult to capture a large personality like Deborah’s in such a small space; the family hopes that this obituary in some part portrays her outstanding spirit.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 26th, 1:00 pm at Montefiore Cemetery, 600 Church Road, Jenkintown, PA, followed by a luncheon at Tiffany On The Blvd, 9010 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19115.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of Debbie's favorite charities below in her memory would be deeply appreciated by her family.