Chesterline C. "Chessie" (Cichonski) Dion

Whitinsville- Chesterline C. “Chessie” (Cichonski) Dion, 96, formerly of Dudley Ave. passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at AdviniaCare at Northbridge, after a period of declining health. Her husband of 65 years, Richard W. “Dick” Dion died March 17, 2020.

     She is survived by 3 daughters, Andrea Sandler and her husband Neil of Rocky Hill, CT, Pamela Dion and her partner David Crespo of Jaffrey, NH, and Kathleen A. Ursch of Dunedin, Florida; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); 2 sisters, Cecilia “Sis” Parker of Webster and Elizabeth “Betty” LaFosse of Whitinsville; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her infant grandson Michael Paul Ursch, and was sister of the late Joseph Sova, Catherine “Kay” Valis, Stella Bailey, Blanche Beaudoin, and Valerie Conlin. Born in Whitinsville, MA, on August 19, 1929, Chessie was the daughter of Andrew and Caroline (Kramarz) Cichonski and lived here all her life.

     Mrs. Dion worked as an Executive Secretary for the former Whitin Machine Works and ATF Davidson Co. She was also employed at Spiras Systems, as well as a Secretary for Northbridge High School and the Special Education Department. She was a graduate of Northbridge High School, Class of 1947.

     Chesterline enjoyed spending family time at her “camp” on the lake in Ashburnham and at their family beach house on Great Island in Point Judith, RI. Her hobbies included camping, going to the beach, and attending town dances. She was proud of her Polish heritage and supported her family with frequent letters, phone calls, and by mailing parcels of clothing to Poland. She loved Polish music, food, and picnics, and was a great cook as well. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her large family to keep their traditions alive.

     Chessie's family would like to extend a special thank you to all of those who provided her with care, from Blackstone Valley Health and Rehab, AdviniaCare at Northbridge, and Jewish Healthcare & Hospice. 

     Her Funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross St. in Whitinsville. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours at Jackman Funeral Home, 12 Spring St., Whitinsville, are on Friday, November 21, from 9 to 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross St., Whitinsville, MA 01588. To leave a condolence message for her family, please visit Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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