Dee’s early life was fundamental in shaping her resilient spirit. She was born in Germany in 1934, into a world upside down. Through the turmoil of the war, she was fortunate to have the support of her loving family. Growing up she spent most of her time with her paternal grandmother “Omi”, whom she adored; her loving mother Irmingard and her stepfather, Rudi; her father Heinz and her stepmother, Liesel; her creative aunts Gerda and Gisela; her brothers, Martin and Dietrich, and her cousin Frauke. Dee held close to these family relationships throughout her lifetime.
After graduating at 19 years old, Dee left Germany to start a new life, destined for California. In January 1954 she sailed to New York and met William, the man who would become her first husband, on the same voyage. In the following years, she gave birth to her two children, William Jr. and Barbara. She was overcome with what she called the “American Generosity” she received from many during that period of her life.
In her twenties, Dee found her true home in San Diego, where she shined brightly for over 50 years. She enjoyed sharing her bit of paradise with family and a large and diverse group of friends. Her humor, generosity and love for life brightened the lives of anyone lucky enough to know her.
Dee enjoyed travel and her frequent trips to Europe, as well as Mexico, Guatemala, Greece, and throughout the US to Sedona, Savannah, St. Louis, San Francisco Bay Area, Hawaii, Catalina Island, and more.
Dee appreciated the arts, and she came from a family of talented artists. She shared her fondness for travel, theater, books, the beaches, art, and turquoise jewelry with all. She was proud of her impressive command of English, her second language, and right up until the end of her life enjoyed humorously correcting the grammar of those close enough to appreciate it.
In her early 40s, Dee met the love of her life, Clint McDonald, who had four children of his own. They shared most of the rest of their lives together hosting countless visits for and making visits to their loved ones here and abroad, including an expanding and joyful array of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The visits were always memorialized with photos, which Dee shared by tirelessly making photo albums for all. After Clint passed in 2017, Dee moved to Florida to be closer to family there. She greatly appreciated the letters, cards, photos, and family updates she regularly received from friends and family around the world.
Dee passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at the age of 86 in Merritt Island, Florida. She brought joy to many and will be greatly missed. Services will be held privately.
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