Obituary of Dolores Jean Bee

We cherish the memory of Dolores Bee, who passed away at home in Seattle on May 31.  Dee, as she was known, is survived by her five children — Dr. Joseph Bee (Diane), Damon Bee (Debbie), Gary Bee (Nancy), Richelle Brown (Michael), and Patricia Heffernan (Michael), and by thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.  She adored them all and left a lasting impression on each one.  Dee also leaves behind her much adored sister Bernice Andron of Santa Barbara, CA, and as well as many nieces and nephews (and great-nieces and great-nephews) around the country.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Richard Bee, in 2012.

Dee was born on September 1, 1926, in Streator, IL, to Joseph and Mary Mehall.   She was the twelfth of thirteen children and maintained close relationships with her siblings and their families.  Dee met her future husband, Richard, in kindergarten, reconnected with him at Streator Township High School, and married him on April 12, 1947.  Four years and two children later, she and Dick moved to Washington State. 

A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Dee provided a warm, faith-filled family life for Dick and their children.  Dee took care of everyone, was an excellent cook and baker, and delighted in making meals and baking special treats for family, friends and, more recently, her caregivers.  An avid Seahawk and Husky fan, she and Dick enjoyed boating to Husky games season after season.  Dee was a lifelong seamstress, making clothing, flower girl dresses for family weddings, Halloween costumes, and expertly repairing beloved blankies, stuffies, karate outfits and motorcycle pants.  She became an accomplished quilter later in life and was an active member of Quilters Anonymous for many years.  In 2002, she won the Blue Ribbon for an exquisite applique quilt.  Some of her quilts brought joy and hope to families with preemies who were covered by these loving expressions of Dee’s artistry.

Dee was a devout Catholic who faithfully attended mass and was active in several parishes through the years, including St. Luke, Holy Rosary, St. Thomas More and St. Bridget and Assumption.  In her last years at Merrill Gardens, she was special to all, arranged Catholic services, and forged strong and loving friendships with friends of many faiths. 

Dee was treasured by her family, who surrounded her in her last days, and by her many friends.  She will be remembered with great love at a funeral service to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at St. Bridget Church, 4900 NE 50^th Street, in Seattle.