Dixie Andrews Hassett Obituary (1942 - 2018)

Dixie Elaine Andrews Hassett was born March 24, 1942 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Her parents, Horace and Vanetta Andrews, were transitioning from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Utah when she arrived. Dixie grew up in Morgan, Utah, which she said was one of her favorite places on earth. She had an idyllic childhood riding bikes, horses, roller skating and swimming. In 9th grade her family moved to Cedar City. While there, she played the flute, chaired dance committees, edited the newspaper and participated in Pep Club before graduating from Cedar High School. Dixie’s siblings were Marian, Kathy, Don and Tammy. Although they were spread over many years, Dixie enjoyed many happy memories with all of them. Dixie excelled at academics. After graduation, she moved to Salt Lake City to attend nursing school at Holy Cross Hospital. She became close with three dear friends. After earning her nursing degree, she and her friend, Merlene, accepted scholarships to the Mayo Clinic in the nurse anesthetist program. At the last minute, Merlene changed her plans, and Dixie moved alone to Minnesota. After just a few weeks, she returned to Salt Lake and accepted a job at LDS Hospital. Shortly after, she met a handsome engineering student at an institute dance and they were engaged 3 months later. She married Scott Hassett on August 25, 1965 in the Manti Temple. A year later, Scott finished his master’s degree, their first daughter Lisa was born and they moved to the Bay Area of California. Four more children would follow: Ava, Dayne, Corrine and Shawn. During that time they enjoyed the beaches of Santa Cruz, the redwood forests and made many dear friends. Dixie and Scott moved their family back to Murray, Utah in 1978. Dixie also returned to nursing at Cottonwood Hospital when her children were older. She was a gifted and compassionate nurse. Her family has grown to include 18 grandchildren of whom she was always proud. She was an example of kindness, patience and a listening ear. No day was complete without chocolate, a crossword puzzle and Jeopardy. She also loved local sports teams but would have to turn the game off if they were losing. Dixie and Scott hoped to travel more after their retirement but found themselves with new challenges. Dixie was diagnosed with both breast cancer and Parkinson’s in a short period of time. Scott became her full-time caregiver, and they faced this phase with courage and grace. Her testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel remained solid, her faith unwavering. Dixie was an example of quiet dignity and served in several callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She passed peacefully at home on April 15, 2018. Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Vanetta Andrews; her sister, Kathy Pen; and a son-in-law, Todd Sorenson.