Mary Ferris Pearsall (Molly) Dickson, 89, formerly of Salisbury, VT, died at home on April 5th, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 18, 1923, in Rochester, NY, the daughter of Chester and Roxanna (Pratt) Pearsall. Molly earned an associates degree from Ambler School of Horticulture in PA and worked as a gardener in Philadelphia. She spent weekends outdoors rock climbing, caving, hiking, & canoeing – even becoming engaged to her future husband Robert "Bob" Dickson on a ledge part way up a rock face. Bob & Molly were married September 22, 1956, and then moved to Salisbury in 1961 to raise their three girls in the country. All her life Molly lived her commitment to walk softly on the earth with the determination few have. She minimized her consumption of resources, reused virtually everything, and wore things completely out. For many years she took primary responsibility for recycling at the Salisbury Landfill. Molly preferred walking, bicycling, or taking the bus to driving her gas-burning 'infernal combustion engine' (automobile). She was often spotted riding her bicycle to Shard Villa, to church, or to and from Middlebury, even in her 70's. In Salisbury, she was well known for her flower garden and the lovely natural flower arrangements she brought to the Congregational Church, where she was an active member since moving to Vermont in the early 1960's. Year round Molly could be seen walking and snow shoeing her beloved trails through the fields and woods near her home. She always carried a bag to clean up any trash she might find. A life-long naturalist, Molly helped establish the E.L.F. program in the Salisbury Public School to increase school children's awareness of and interest in the natural world. Like her late husband Bob, Molly was an avid reader. As a young mother she was far more interested in reading a good book to her daughters than in cleaning house. She shared many of her favorite books with the residents of Shard Villa and volunteered at the Salisbury Public Library. Molly went out of her way to help those who were needy. She was involved with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) and Addison County Community Action Group (ACCAG, now HOPE) for many years, volunteering in the Clothing Room and helping to establish home vegetable gardens. Molly had long been a world peace activist and was an active member of Swords to Ploughshares. In her quiet way Molly selflessly and generously shared her gifts, set a beautiful example for all of us and enriched the entire community. We will miss you, Molly/Granny/Mom, you will live in our hearts forever. She is survived by her three daughters: Nancy Gaudreau and husband Louis of Perth, Ontario, Holly Ferguson of Middlebury, Ann Chalmers and husband Rich of Williamstown, and eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob Dickson, her sister Alice Pearsall Tilley, and brother Mason Pratt Pearsall. A memorial service will be held at the Salisbury Congregational Church on Saturday April 20 at 1:00 pm (there will be a sing-a-long prior to the service). Molly has donated her body to the UVM College of Medicine, continuing to help others even after death. Messages can be sent to the family by going to the Guare & Sons Funeral Home website at www.guareandsons.com Gifts may be given in memory of Molly to the Salisbury Congregational Church, PO Box 61, Salisbury VT 05769, 352-9080, to HOPE (Helping Overcome Poverty's Effects), 282 Boardman St Middlebury, VT 05753, 388-3608, or to Vermont Coverts, Woodlands for Wildlife, PO Box 81, Middlebury, Vermont 05753, 802-388-3880, www.vtcoverts.org