Donna Marie Dixon of Helen, MD passed away peacefully at her home on October 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 31, 1949, in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Eugene (Geno) Gallerizzo and the late Betty Gallerizzo (DiGuilio). Donna was the devoted wife of the late William "Bill" Dixon, whom she married on November 30, 1968, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Washington, DC.

Donna is survived by her children, Cindy Dixon and Billy Dixon, her granddaughter Lauren Dixon Link (Rob), great-grandson Grayson Link, and her beloved dogs, Mallo and Toby--whom she adored as they remained at her side day and night. She also leaves behind her siblings Patricia Balser, Dolores Price (Eddie), Steven Gallerizzo (Carol), and Chris Gallerizzo, and a host of nieces and nephews, aunts, and cousins, who were all very dear to her heart. In addition to her husband and parents, Donna was predeceased by her brother-in-law Bartley Balser, and niece Michele Balser Lackner.

Before losing her mobility, you would most often find Donna working in her yard spending countless hours tending to her flowerbeds and garden. Like her father, she had a green thumb and cared for her plants meticulously. She was the best cook and everything she made was no less than delicious, especially when she baked for the holidays. Christmas was always her favorite time of year, and she would deck every hall possible. She was particular about decorating the tree and ensured every ornament was strategically and symmetrically placed (which usually meant everyone just watched her work her decorating magic!) The tree always looked perfect and made the home feel like Christmas.

Donna was a former member of the Mechanicsville Optimist Club before her mobility issues no longer allowed her to do so. She loved volunteering to help give back to the youth in our local community. She especially loved wrapping gifts at the annual Shop with a Cop event at Christmastime and could not wait to hear the stories told by the children about the gifts they were wrapping.

Donna loved group chats with family members and always looked forward to those conversations with siblings and cousins. Reminiscing about stories from her childhood growing up in a large Italian family brought her much joy, and she would share those stories every chance she could with anyone who would listen. But her greatest joy was her beloved dogs over the years, most recently her two little dogs Mallo and Toby, and her beloved Bichon, Wally, before that who was with her for almost 18 years. No animal was ever a stranger to her, nor were they ever left unattended or cared for.

Above all, Donna was a devout Catholic, and her faith was very important to her. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and prayed the rosary, among many other prayers and novenas daily. She instilled those same values in her children and granddaughter. Donna has left us with beautiful memories, too many to count, and her love will continue to guide us as she now rests among the angels.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, MD, with Father Drew officiating. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.