Lena M. Dix, 91, a resident of the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk, formerly of Pearl Street in Forestville, died of natural causes on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at her residence, following a lengthy illness. She was born in the Town of Arkwright on May 2, 1934, the daughter of the late Walter and Emma (Watrous) Meadows.
Lena was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1951 and worked as a secretary with her husband at the former Norman Dix Company in Forestville. She also worked for the late Jim Cave of Cave's Store in Forestville, the Grape Co-op for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fredonia and tended her own grape vineyards, along with raising cantaloupes and strawberries.
Lena was an election inspector, belonged to J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Forestville Ladies Auxiliary, and was an avid blood donor. She enjoyed being with her family, working in the grapes, bowling, card club, walking around Forestville and was a world traveler.
Survivors include two daughters, Suzanne Kaliko of Hawaii and Jennifer (James) Cruver of Cassadaga; a son, Robert (Lynette) Dix of Forestville; a daughter-in-law, Becky Dix of Silver Creek; a sister-in-law, Jeanette "Jan" Meadows of Forestville; as well as seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Norman Dix, whom she married on November 17, 1951 in the Forestville United Methodist Church and who died on March 11, 2014; a son, James Dix, who died on August 8, 2014; son-in-law, Ronald Kaliko; grandson, Daniel Dix; two sisters, Emma Van Valkenburg and Agnes Hilton; and five brothers, Nelson, Walter "Corky," Willis "Dutch" Sr., Charles and infant Theodore Meadows.
Friends are welcome to call on Friday, April 17 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street in Forestville, where funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 11:00 AM with Rev. David Watson, Pastor of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in in Pioneer Cemetery in the Town of Hanover.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to the Forestville Fire Department, Inc., PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062; or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.
To post condolences or memories, go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
