RBC | “I never felt like I was going to work; I was going to see my friends.” Mary Dillon has humbly served as Rio Blanco County’s “WIC lady” — WIC stands for Women, Infants, Children — for 15 years, and her last day was March 30, 2023.
Mary Dillon (center) was surprised by her coworkers with a flash mob dance and party to kick off her retirement after 15 years as RBC’s beloved “WIC lady.” | KATIE KING PHOTO
Dillon loved her work and the families that she served. She was sensitive to their situations and needs while checking the boxes commanded by government requirements. Her impact stretched beyond working hours because she gave out her personal cell phone so mothers could reach her for questions.
As the WIC coordinator, she served many families, providing education and resources to support healthy eating habits. Her service established many dear friendships and loving memories over the years. Despite the challenges that Covid presented, she overcame them with those families and colleagues. A supervisor once gave her a pair of oversized, rose-colored glasses because of her ability to see the good in all people.
Dillon came from loving and humble beginnings in Chicago during the 1950s. Her mother was Irish and stayed at home with her siblings. Her dad worked as a machinist. She recalls that her mom served a lot of corn and peas as her go-to meals.
Dillon met her husband, Jim, at work. Their first date came because she needed a date, and he offered to accompany her. She recalled the horror of the inappropriateness of such a thing, but they had an undeniable connection. Their first date was Dec. 1, 1984 — they were engaged on Dec. 7 and married on Feb. 9, 1985. “I was the heart; he was the brains of the operation.”
Together they made a family with six children: Jimmy, Doug, Rosalind, Michael, Jessica, and Rachel. Dillon sings the praises of her children, citing their thoughtfulness and personalities. A running joke is that Dillon is concerned that she may need to eat cat food now that she has retired. Her sons promised that they would buy her Fancy Feast cat food if she ever becomes financially desolate. She can tell any story about being their mom and have you clutching your sides while rolling on the floor laughing. She loved being their mother and is proud of who they all grew up to be.
The Dillons began their family in Chicago before moving to Rangely. Jim worked in consulting and lost his client. When they moved to Rangely, he took a job at the school district and the hospital, leaving a lasting legacy.
Dillon is excited about the opportunity to retire. She has big travel plans and exciting adventures on the horizon. Her first trip will be to Chicago, where she will have an elementary school reunion for the second time in two years. They loved each other and the reunion experience so much that they decided to do it again. Dillon also looks forward to an Alaskan cruise with her daughter, Rosalind.
One of Mary’s dreams was to witness a flash mob dance. Her co-workers organized one for her on her last day of work.
Dillon’s service to Rio Blanco County and its families will not be soon forgotten.
Special to the Herald Times
