Dixie Lee Reichel

Dixie Lee Reichel passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. with her family by her side. She was 73 years young (as she would always say). She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. Born on March 29, 1947 in Grasonville, MD, she was the daughter of the late Thomas V. O’Donnell and Evelene S. Bickford O’Donnell Linhard. Dixie married her first husband, Larry South and had two sons – Jerry and Darren. Dixie began working in the food service industry at age 16 at local restaurants such as Chester River Inn, Holly’s Diner, Cove Grill and Heritage Harbor Adult Community where she always had a smile for everyone. She moved to Calvert County at age 24 where she met and married her second husband, Rudi Reichel and had her third son Rudi. She lived in Calvert County with her 3 boys until 1982 when she moved to Montross, VA and worked at The Inn at Montross. There she made friends who would be with her for life. In 1997, she returned to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to be closer to her loved ones. Dixie enjoyed dancing, cooking, decorating, shopping, and spending time with her family. Dixie had a vivacious personality. She always had a smile on her face, a laugh on her lips and made friends wherever she called home. Dixie had a spot in her loving heart for all dogs – but especially her Sally and many other fur babies. She was active in the American legion Ladies Auxiliary and Women of the Moose (Bay Country Chapter). She was a friend of Bill W. for 14 years. Dixie is survived by her loving children: Jerry South (Christy), Darren South (Shannon Kyer), and Rudi Reichel (Mesha Cox); a brother: Dean O’Donnell (Felicia); 8 Grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Dixie was preceded in death by her brother Thomas O’Donnell. All of these she loved and touched deeply. Private Services for family will be at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home PA in Chester, MD. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Humane Society of Queen Anne’s County. Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Jackson’s Creek at 1pm. Please reach out to family members for details.

Dixie Lee Reichel

March 29, 1947 - September 24, 2020