Dena Van Lierop Aitchison passed away on February 12, 2012, in the Corwin Center at Emerald Heights Retirement Home. She was born on November 1, 1917 in Seattle to Andrew Gebaroff, a teacher and minister, and Ara Jennings Gebaroff, an author. She was the fourth of six children. She was a proud 1936 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Seattle.
Dena retired from the Northshore School District in 1979 where she was employed as a district buyer and school office manager for 23 years. After her retirement, Dena and Tom traveled the world--India, England, Scotland, the Mediterranean where she indulged her love of shopping. When Tom's cancer reoccurred, Dena was his devoted around the clock caregiver until his death.
Dena was a fabulous cook and loved a good party. She was never happier than when she was entertaining at her condo, her Lummi Island cabin, or at Emerald Heights. She was a skilled bridge player and member of several bridge clubs. Always positive, she squeezed the most fun out of each and every day even as her health deteriorated. She was a superlative grandmother and earned the nickname "Super Grandma" by her grandkids.
She is survived by her son, Rod (Linda) Van Lierop, grandsons Don (Amy), Chris (Tara), Paul (Angela) and nine great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Nelson, and her best friend since kindergarten, Estelle Smith. She was preceded in death by husband Cornelius Van Lierop in 1973 and second husband, Thomas Aitchison, in 1992.
A celebration of her life will be held at Emerald Height Retirement Community in March. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hopelink, Northwest Harvest, Evergreen Hospice, or your favorite charity.
Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.
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