Delores R Birchard

Delores (“Dee”) Birchard, a devoted nurse, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away following a brief illness on October 24, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 9, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Dee was the daughter of Frank Sabik, who emigrated from Hungary, and Jennie Vavrina, whose family came from Czechoslovakia. Dee cherished her cultural heritage and grew up in Argo, Illinois, among a vibrant community of immigrant families. Despite a challenging childhood marked by family hardship, Dee’s resilience and determination shaped her character.

At twelve, Dee’s life took a transformative turn when she was invited to the Church of the Nazarene and embraced the gospel message. Her faith became a guiding force, helping her overcome adversity, including opposition from her atheist stepfather. Dee found support and acceptance in her church community, which instilled in her strong moral values and a love for learning. She excelled academically, often studying by flashlight under her bedcovers, and taught herself social graces from Emily Post’s etiquette book.

Encouraged by her high school teachers and inspired by her best friend Marinna Mallis, Dee pursued a career in nursing. By her junior year, she was working up to 36 hours a week to fund her education, ultimately earning her RN degree. Dee later attended Olivet Nazarene University, earning a BA in Psychology to fulfill requirements for missionary work. While working as a supervising nurse, she met Carl Birchard, the son of Nazarene missionaries, and they married in 1963. Their early years together were marked by adventure and resilience, including surviving a tornado that destroyed their home.

Dee’s nursing career supported the family as Carl completed medical school and residency. In Panama, Dee became Medical Coordinator for the Fellowship of the Concerned, organizing jungle clinic trips to remote villages. From 1968 to 1978, Dee and Carl dedicated themselves to medical missions in the Panama Canal Zone, serving indigenous communities. After returning to the U.S., Dee taught nursing and helped establish Washington Orthopaedic Center in Centralia, Washington, where she worked alongside Carl. Both retired in 2004 but continued to serve through church, missions, and volunteer organizations. Together, they traveled to all 50 states, 101 countries, and all seven continents, embracing life’s adventures.

Dee was passionate about writing, publishing a book about their jungle clinic experiences and sharing annual Christmas letters. She enjoyed flower arranging, home decorating, baking, cooking, interior design, and teaching Sunday School. Dee organized and led

Vacation Bible Schools, home Bible studies, and overseas medical missions in Central America, the Dominican Republic, India, and Africa. She was known for her hospitality, entertaining large groups, and supporting community fundraisers. Dee received several awards, including the Argo High School Distinguished Alumni Award and the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, in recognition of her service.

Although she didn’t have an opportunity to earn any badges, Dee participated, supported or led many Scouting activities and events such as Pinewood Derbies, Scout-o-Ramas, Eagle Scout projects, Courts of Honors over the years plus helping with Council fundraising and leadership transitions. She enthusiastically joined or supported her husband, sons and their families in their many and varied interests from gardening, orcharding, fishing, mountain climbing, camping, backpacking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, spelunking, tandem bike riding, cooking, traveling, white water rafting; kayaking; sailing; motorboating; and canoeing.

Dee and Carl designed and built their “English Country”-style home in Centralia, often welcoming convalescing missionaries, family, and friends. She believed that a home was built on relationships and was a gift to share, reflecting her philosophy: “A house is built of brick, mortar, wood and metal. A home is built on relationships—to God, to family, to the community and to the world. Our home is not a possession to maintain but a gift to share…. God is our Refuge!”

Dee faced numerous physical challenges, including rheumatic heart disease, cancer, and surviving natural disasters and accidents. She endured 27 surgeries and coped with the loss of loved ones, yet remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to others.

In 2016, Dee and Carl moved to Stillwater Estates in Centralia for a “second retirement,” where they continued to make new friends and contribute to their community. After 55 years of marriage, Carl passed away unexpectedly in 2018. Dee spent her final years surrounded by family and friends, organizing, crafting, storytelling, encouraging others and loving well. Her life verse was Luke 6:38: “Give and it will be given you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be measured to you.”

Dee is survived by her son Kevin (Rhonda) Birchard and granddaughters Grace and Hope of Lake Oswego, OR; son Keith (Cecilia Hauer) Birchard and grandchildren Nathaniel “Nate,” Ezra, and Jane of Chehalis, WA; brother Bill Bechtold; sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl, parents Frank Sabik and Jennie Bechtold, and older brother Frank.

Interment took place at 10AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis. A public memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, January 10th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Chehalis, WA. All are welcome.