Mary Louise Dalrymple passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, in her West Seattle home of 70 years. She was born on December 19, 1930, and was adopted by Guy Hunter of Indiana and Ethel Sorenson of Washington. She grew up in West Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1949.
Mary met James Robert Dalrymple on a blind date, after his return from the Korean War, where he served in the Merchant Marines. The two were married six months later. The couple purchased their home in the Arbor Heights neighborhood, where they raised three children: Robert, Colin, and Donna.
Mary and Jim were very active in their church, Hillcrest Presbyterian, where they were longtime members. Mary was a devout Christian and acted as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Treasurer.
Once her children were raised, Mary went back to school at South Seattle Community College and later explored work as a bookkeeper for the Stan Cota School of Music with an accordion focus. Several times the music instructor was not available, and Mary acted as the teacher – Mind you, she didn’t know how to play, but that didn’t stop her!
Mary undertook a second career at Frederick & Nelson. Many of the friends she made then are here today to celebrate Mary’s life. Mary’s love of shopping ensured that her paychecks went back to Frederick & Nelson. When Frederick & Nelson closed, she moved on to work at the Bon Marche and then Nordstrom’s before retiring at age 65.
In her retirement, Mary became the local cat whisperer. Every cat in a two-block radius visited regularly, and many made the Dalrymple house their permanent home. In addition to cats, Mary also loved gardening, growing roses was her specialty, and picking wild blackberries and huckleberries that made the best pies.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and son, Colin. She is remembered by her children: Donna Dolinar, Robert “Bob” Dalrymple, and daughter-in-law Grace. She is further missed by her grandchildren: Jade, Michelle, Joel, and Kellen; her great-grandchildren: Kayson, Isla, and Beckett; and many other members of her family and close friends.
Mary, may you rest in God’s peace with your loving husband Jim and son Colin.
