Harleen A. Dickinson, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her “daughters” (stepdaughters) after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (whose symptoms mimic an advanced form of Parkinson’s Disease) exacerbated by sudden complications from COVID.   She bravely faced her palsy and defied expectations by double while living life to the best of her abilities, thanks to the loving assistance of her “daughters” and a team of amazing caregivers.

Harleen Alice Young was born on July 5, 1945 in Antioch, IL to Harold and Alice (Zuppinger) Young.  Harleen attended Antioch High School where she was head cheerleader, homecoming queen, first chair violin, and even played saxophone in the band, all while earning straight A’s.  She later graduated from the University of Illinois in 1967 where she was a member and officer in the Kappa Delta sorority.  Careerwise, she pursued Administration and Management.  At her first job in Chicago, she managed a political action committee.  Soon after, she worked for Shearson Hammill, a stock brokerage firm, and later was transferred to open the Atlanta, GA office in 1972 where she first met Bob, her future husband many years later, who was an enterprising young stockbroker.  Harleen stayed with the company for over 35 years as it morphed through various name changes (eventually SunTrust) while rising to the rank of Senior Vice President managing the Institutional Sales floor.  During the 1970’s – mid 1980’s, she dated and briefly married John Thosteson.  Then in 1987, she reconnected with and married the love of her life, Robert H. Dickinson, Jr. (Bob).  Always together, they loved traveling the world, hosting gatherings, having fun with family and friends, and being involved in their church or community, as well as enjoying good food and wine, dancing, great music, and their special pets.  She also assisted with Bob’s Safety Aire Flying Club, which supported his love of flying.  After retiring in 2007, she and Bob moved to Crossville, TN, then Hilton Head, SC, and eventually to Raleigh, NC to be closer to family while they lived their last few years in assisted living.  Together until the end, Harleen passed away one day after Bob’s passing.

Harleen was often described as being warm, loving, charitable, and incredibly generous.  In addition, she was often described as being fashionably dressed, complete with full makeup and jewelry for all occasions.  It was clear that she was devoted to her husband, as she and Bob often held hands, danced together, kissed frequently, and told each other they loved one another every day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Grace Hyne (Larry), cousin Jacqueline “Jackie” (nee Cynova) Schroeder with whom she was raised, and numerous well-loved dogs.  She is survived by her three “daughters”: Lorri Griffin (Jeff) of Angier, NC, Barbara Dickinson (Melanie Leyden) of Durham, NC, and Caryn Haas (Bob) of Jacksonville, FL; nieces: Dorene Marvin (Tim), Colene Broege (Gregg); and nephew Gene Schroeder (Dawn), multiple great nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild.

Both Bob and Harleen were lifetime animal lovers.  In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be sent to The Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm in Alachua, FL.  This 501(c)(3) donor-funded sanctuary takes in retired Military and Police horses after they have served a life of serving the people, as well as abused and neglected horses in need.  They currently support 147 horses to live out the remainder of their lives in peaceful surroundings with loving care.
www.millcreekfarm.org