Josephine M Dickinson

Josephine Dickinson, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 24, 2022.

Born in Boise, ID on June 12, 1934 to Justo and Angeles Murelaga, Jo was embraced by her family and the Basque community.  She was an accomplished Accordion player who was part of a trio of Basque musicians that entertained throughout the Boise area. Jo even played on her own radio show while still in her teens. 

Jo attended the University of Idaho where she met and later married Bill Schnurr.  Together they had three children.  The family moved frequently early on but settled in Spokane Valley in 1963 where Jo lived for the remainder of her life.  Jo was a consummate cook and homemaker.  The smell of something freshly baked drew kids from all over the neighborhood.  Summers were spent at the floating cabin in Hidden Bay on Coeur d’Alene Lake. Jo loved to entertain and welcomed family and friends to gather on the dock where the story-telling and laughter rang out late into the night.

After the kids left for college, Jo launched a successful career as a realtor. During this time, she met and married Zan Dickinson.  Jo left real estate to work with her husband in his insurance office.  They were a great team for many years. Jo also loved the four stepchildren Zan brought to her life and has remained close to all of them throughout the years.

Jo spent the last years of her life in the family home, tending her flower beds and creating a beautiful living space.  She loved craft work of all kinds, puzzles, and playing dominoes with her girlfriends.  Jo’s Basque heritage was a very important part of her life, always, and she relished sharing the culture with others.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, and her stepson Guy Dickinson.  She leaves behind her children Barb Roma, Mike (Diana) Schnurr, and Kathy Boling; her grandchildren Laurel (Ruben) Arnau, and Jake (Chloe) Boling and her great-grandchild Archie Arnau.  Jo is also survived by her stepchildren Scott (Sheri) Dickinson, Lisa Dickinson, and Len Dickinson; her brother Phil (Anita) Murelaga and sister Mary Guerricabeitia; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their children.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice House for embracing all of us with loving care and comfort in her last days. The Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 3rd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spokane Valley, WA., followed by a reception at the St. Mary’s Adult Center. To share condolences with the family visit Josephine's Family Tribute