Delores Shirley Rene'

Delores Shirley Rene’ November 21, 1935 to June 4, 2013 Delores Shirley Veer was born to Isaac and Frieda Veer on November 21, 1935 in Walhalla, North Dakota and passed away peacefully on June 4, 2013 in Olympia, Washington. Delores is survived by her daughter, Dawn Marie Hicks, sons, Dean Donald (Ronella) Rene' and Dale Gordon (Jane) Rene'. Grandchildren: Keri (Joel), Stacy, Garrett (Jessica), Laura, Max and Chase. Great-Grandchildren: Caine, Sable, Leander, Clifton and Augustus. Those that went before her were her husband, Donald Rene’, parents, Isaac and Frieda, brothers, Robert and Lloyd Veer, and her grandson Dean Jr. The family farmed in Lamour County just outside of Walhalla where she grew up along with her two brothers. Delores, nicknamed Dodie, attended school in Walhalla skipping several grades and lettering in basketball. After graduating at age 16 she was off to the big city of Minneapolis, Minnesota with a girlfriend. After several months working in Minnesota, Delores decided to return home and found employment in the Walhalla area. In 1954, Delores met and married Donald Gordon Rene' of Neche, North Dakota. Together they raised their three children and continued farming on the Rene’ family farm just outside of Neche. Delores volunteered in the community and took great pride in being a member of the Catholic Church Ladies Aide Society. Additionally, she volunteered as a Scout Leader for several years to the Cub and Girl Scout troops her children joined. Bowling in the local league, attending dances, and hosting large card parties made up of friends and neighbors were joyful past times. Delores and Donald decided to move the family to Seattle, Wa in June of 1966. Shortly thereafter, Delores went to work for Butler Brothers until the store closed several years later. She continued working in retail at various stores close to the Northgate/Lake City area. She remained active in the locale family Catholic Church. While they resided in Lake City, their home became known as the “Christmas House.” For many years the house was decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving inside and out for the enjoyment of all. Once the decorating was complete the holiday baking began, also to the enjoyment of all. Delores was known for always having a hot pot of coffee to accompany her delicious baked goods. She looked forward to company and relished the telling of stories, particularly ones involving her children. She was a talented painter and enjoyed embroidery and ceramic crafts. Delores had a gentle spirit and warm and loving way that comforted those around her. She was a gracious, kind wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a friend in the truest sense of the word. In later years, Delores decided to volunteer at Northwest Hospital in the gift shop. She thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the patients and other volunteers and was greatly admired for her commitment and dedication. Delores and Donald celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchild joined together with friends and extended family members to honor their life together. Delores wanted this message delivered to those at the memorial service; this is a direct written quote from her, “Remember me with smiles and laughter – If you can only remember me with tears don’t remember me at all.” I think that about say’s it all. A memorial service will be held in celebration of her life on June 22nd at 1:00 in the afternoon at The Shepherd of the Lakes Chapel, 4606 108th Street SW, Lakewood, Wa. 98499. Flowers may be sent to Edwards Memorial Center, 3005 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, Wa 98466, 253-566-1008 or memoriam’s may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association in Delores Rene’s name. Comments can be left on the Edwards Memorial Obit site at the guestbook above. Delores’ family extends their gratitude for the compassionate and professional care their mom received at Garden Court Memory Care Facility, in Olympia, Wa.