Dessie Mae Fontecchio

She was preceded in death by her parents. Dessie is survived by her son: Ed Fontecchio and wife Debra of Richardson, Texas; daughter: Paula Shipley and significant other Sterling Logue of Austin, Texas; grandsons: Dustin and Dylan Shipley of Austin, Texas; grandson: David McKee and wife Madeline of Addison, Texas; as well as many loving friends.

After raising her children, Dessie pursued a career with the Federal Government as a statistician. She also worked as a realtor. Dessie owned and managed several rental properties, including an apartment complex in the Oak Lawn area. A true renaissance woman, Dessie worked as a model and actress for a time. After selling her rental properties, Dessie traveled the world. Her passion for travel and experiencing new cultures was legendary among her family and friends. Dessie was voracious bridge player and excelled at duplicate. Later in life, Dessie turned her artistic talents to line dancing. She loved her line dancing group and was extremely proud of their performances. Dessie owned dogs her entire life and cherished each as a beloved furry family member.

Visitation with be held at Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home (1029 S. Greenville Ave, Richardson, Texas 75081 / (972)-238-7855) on Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 5:00-7:00pm. Funeral services will also be held at Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Memorial Gardens (2308 N Sylvania Ave, Ft. Worth, Texas 76111 / (817)-831-0511).

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dessie’s name to Garland Meals on Wheels.