Our beloved matriarch, Shizuko “Dee” S. Findlay, 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. She was an adored resident of Solstice Senior Living in Austin over the past four years – undoubtedly a staff favorite.
Dee was born on January 24, 1941 in Okinawa, Japan, where she married Donald Maurice Findlay, an Army sergeant and the love of her life, in 1969. Five years later, they moved to the United States with their four children, Robert, Richard, Rhonda, and Regina in tow.
For 30 years, she worked in Baytown as a florist at Betty’s Flower Shop, where she passionately created beautiful and intricate floral arrangements. She demonstrated a lifelong appreciation and deep love for the beach by collecting seashells, watching the tide, and breathing in the fresh ocean air. She enjoyed playing darts, bowling, and dancing with her late husband, Maurice, as well as singing karaoke with family and friends. As a music lover, she liked listening to anything from traditional Okinawan music to modern-day hip-hop and country. Spending time with loved ones was always her top priority, as she found great comfort and joy in these moments. Dee was extremely generous, always making sure others felt included, were cared for, and were well-fed.
Dee was a selfless, intuitive, stylish, and fun-loving soul who could brighten up a room by simply walking in it. She dedicated her life to her husband and children, always putting their needs before her own. She was kind and friendly, with a lively sense of humor and an infectious smile. Her spirit and zest for life will be an inspiration to her family and friends for generations to come.
Dee is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Maurice Findlay, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shimabuku.
She is survived by her five children, Robert and Vanessa Findlay (Tomball, TX), William David and Terry Findlay (Columbus, SC), Richard and Angela Findlay (Baytown, TX), Rhonda and Jeff Backer (Wayne, NE), and Regina and Izzy Findlay (Austin, TX). Surviving grandchildren are Donald Findlay, Josh Findlay, Neeva Findlay, Jordan Backer, Stephany Williams, Alissa Fretty, Meagan Backer, Bryan Findlay, Hailey Backer, Reagan Backer, Brianna Findlay, and Caiden Backer. Surviving great-grandchildren are Abigail, Kira, Coplynn, Everley, Dallas, Ember, and Carson.
Visitation will be held on June 17, 2019 from 4-5 pm for the family, and 5-7 pm for the public and friends. Memorial services will take place at 10 am on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Navarre Funeral Home located at 2444 Rollingbrook Drive in Baytown, Texas, and will be officiated by Amy Rowe-Stahl. Following the funeral, there will be a graveside service at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery located at 8624 Garth Road in Baytown.
Pallbearers are Donald Findlay, Jordan Backer, Bryan Findlay, Caiden Backer, Harold Cross, Scotty Cross, and Joe Johnson.
