Virginia Dickens
Obituary
Mom passed peacefully at her home in Hollister, California, on April 3, 2026, with her good friend and caregiver, Sandra Fortino at her side.
Born in Fresno, California, in 1939 she spent her childhood years in nearby Porterville until the mid-1950s when the family moved to Watsonville, California. It was there, while working at "The It" soda fountain in Watsonville, that a "He's cute!" guy walked in. That cute guy was Robert Dickens, and he would become the love of her life.
Mom and Dad married in 1958 and spent the next 61 years together until Dad's passing in July 2019. They filled their life together with wonderful adventures and great friends. Dad got his private pilot's license in the late 1970s, and after that, they loved to fly together all over the western states. More than flying, they loved to play golf together and with friends. Mom's golfing highlight was when she scored a hole-in-one at the Spring Hills Golf Course, in Watsonville!
Mom was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family meant everything in the world to her, and she loved spending time with us, even when things were crazy and loud.
Four years ago, her health began to decline, but she stayed mentally strong and never gave up. Her caregiver, Sandra, entered our lives at that time and, over time, became "one of the family" for Mom and for us. We will be forever in her debt and love her like a sister.
She is survived by daughter Chris Ferdinand (Roger) of Redmond, WA; son Robert Dickens Jr. of Watsonville; brother Danny Powers (Bev) of Fortuna, CA; grandson Jason Ferdinand (Emily) and great-grandchildren Liam and Margot of London, UK; grandson Joshua Blanton (Candace) and great-grandchildren Finley and Adelynd of Montana; and grandson Bradley Dickens of Watsonville.
Mom, we miss you as we miss Dad.
Mom and Dad rest together at the California Central Coast Veteran's Cemetery in Seaside, California. There, they will fly forever together.
Published in The Pajaronian · June 15, 2026