The renewal of the Church begins with the renewal of hearts and minds—one faithful life, one generous act, one enduring legacy at a time. For Edward Dickey and his late wife, Susan, supporting the Dominican Friars has been a natural expression of the faith that shaped their lives together.
Married for 61 years, Edward and Susan built a life rooted in family, service, and the Church. They met in graduate school at Northwestern University where he earned a doctorate in economics and she a master’s in music. They married soon after and raised their two sons in Baltimore’s Guilford neighborhood as devoted parishioners of SS. Philip and James Parish.
Susan, a gifted music educator, devoted wife and mother, and tireless volunteer, taught generations of students at the Gilman School while quietly serving Christ through parish life, prison ministry, and outreach to the poor and sick. Edward spent his career in government, including 25 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, before continuing as a consultant to public and private clients.
Their shared love for the Church naturally extended to the Dominican Friars, and inspired their involvement with their parish. Edward remains active in parish ministry, serving as the chair of the Parish Council and leading the monthly men’s group—men young and old who gather for prayer, conversation, and fellowship rooted in a shared faith.
Inspired by the Order’s commitment to preaching the Gospel and forming future priests and brothers, they chose—in addition to their ongoing support—to include the Dominican Friars Foundation in their estate plans as members of the St. Dominic Legacy Society.
“Of all the challenges facing the Church today,” shares Edward, “I believe the most pressing is personnel and properly preparing future priests. We have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact of the Dominican Friars in both our parish and the broader community, and how they support the greater Church. It is truly powerful to witness and deeply inspiring to support!”
Following Susan’s passing, the Foundation received a generous gift through her IRA beneficiary designation. Together with Edward’s continued support, that gift is already forming Dominican Friars who will preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and accompany souls for generations to come.
Edward encourages others not to wait: “The future is uncertain, and you never know when you may no longer be able to make important decisions. That’s why it is so important to make your intentions known now. Whether through your IRA, your will, or another planned gift, you can always update your plans—but there is no time like the present.”
He continues: “We wanted to help ensure that the Dominicans continue to form well-qualified, committed, and deeply educated priests who can preach the truth, grow the faith, and inspire the renewal of the mind, especially in a time of such confusion.”
