Doris M. Denney
March 24, 1919 - November 16, 2008
Obituary
Doris Dottie Denney passed away November 16, 2008, of complications due to Alzheimer’s, a disease she endured with grace and dignity. She was born in Seattle, Washington, on March 24, 1919, and was a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. She ended her days with her daughter, Sharon, in the Greenlake area, the site of her fondest early memories. She was preceded in death by her deeply loving and equally beloved husband, Ross.
Doris was a quiet, unassuming woman, but one whose modest exterior masked the heart of a warrior. Her love for her family was fierce and uncompromising. Though she chose never to speak of it, she spent the greater part of her life fighting an external adversary, the likes of which few have ever had to confront. Armed with the love and support of Ross, and her own unselfish courage and determination, she was able to subdue the threat to those she loved. None outside of her family knew of this extraordinary and heroic accomplishment.
Dottie was an independent spirit who never unthinkingly followed the crowd. She puzzled over all moral choices until she was certain her behavior would reflect the highest values as well as the integrity with which she and Ross lived their lives. She had an abundance of common sense, compassion, and a remarkable understanding of ‘fair play.’ She championed the rights of the mentally and physically challenged to live their lives among us long before it was fashionable. Her patience and remarkable tenderness with the handicapped were noted admiringly by all who witnessed them. She recognized and repudiated all forms of discrimination long before our laws attempted to right wrongs that had existed for generations. In this, she was way ahead of her time.
Dot was honest to an uncommon degree. She worked incredibly hard, fastidiously accepting only what she believed she had earned and generously sharing it with those who had less. Her honesty and generosity were matched only by the profound sincerity that characterized her interactions with others.
She was a skilled and creative seamstress, knitter, and embroiderer. Her daughter’s dolls had lavish wardrobes, putting them on every neighborhood’s ‘Best Dressed List.’ Her husband hung on to his sweaters and jackets long past their expiration date because they were ‘Made by Dottie.’ Her loved ones were rich in hand-crafted clothes and vibrant afghans. Their homes were adorned with beautiful drapes and lush wall hangings that she had painstakingly created for them.
Doris cherished and respected all living things. Her gardens were a profusion of color and blossoms, causing many passers-by to stop and take pictures. She was especially drawn to animals and all of their antics. Kittens, in particular, could captivate her attention for hours on end. It was a lucky animal that weaseled its way into her heart and home. Lucky too, were the family and friends whose lives she graced. Despite her almost ninety years on this earth, Dottie had no hard edges. She lived as she died, softly and sweetly.
Doris leaves behind her loving and admiring daughter, Sharon, in addition to Madeline and Phoebe Ann. She was preceded in death by Jennifer. She leaves the legacy of a gentle life lived in concert with the highest values: love, truth, justice, and responsibility. Though seemingly ordinary, hers was an uncommon life.
Special thanks are due to neighbors and friends, old and new, who understood that while she no longer recognized them, she never failed to recognize the language and touch of affection. Their cheerful visits, notes, and calls were deeply cherished and appreciated. Heartfelt thanks are due also to the Visiting Nurses Services of the Northwest, especially Ally Bulloch, Melissa, Vicky and Paul who generously showered Doris with the benefits of their expertise and energy, and who demonstrated immeasurable compassion for her condition. Their ability to solve the many and intricate problems of living with Alzheimer’s was unparalleled and enabled her to end her days in her own home with her daughter, her animals, and the people and things that gave her the deepest pleasures. Their contributions to the quality of her life and to the lives of those who loved her were immeasurable.
At her request, there will be no services. Instead, if you wish, you might brighten the day of a dementia victim with a visit, call, or note. Or you might visit any of the growing number of websites, local and national, documenting the judicially-created and supported crime of guardianship programs which are devastating the lives our most vulnerable citizens and those who love them. Once armed with knowledge, you can demand your legislators protect our loved ones by repairing these shamefully corrupted programs. www.guardianshipscam.com, www.elderabusehelp.org, www.angr.us, www.protectingourelders.org.
