Memorial next Tuesday for Dolores ‘Dee’ Barnecut, 1926-2015

A memorial is planned next Tuesday for Dolores Barnecut, who died two weeks ago at 88. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Dolores M. Barnecut succumbed to cancer on July 9, 2015, surrounded by her family.

“Dee” was born in Seattle on July 26, 1926, and was the only daughter of the late George and Margaret Anderson. She graduated from West Seattle High School, Class of 1944, and she married her high-school sweetheart, Richard J. Barnecut, in 1947. Dick and Dee lived in West Seattle for the entirety of their 68-year marriage.

As the consummate wife, mother and homemaker, Dee was always in your corner and selfless in her commitment to those she loved. She was a happy person, humble to a fault, and she presided over a happy household.

Dee was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle, where she served on the altar guild. The family vacation home on Hood Canal was a special place for her. She was a loyal fan of Husky football and held season tickets for almost fifty years. As the nest emptied, Dee had the opportunity to evolve and nurture her artistic side, and she developed into an accomplished and prolific watercolorist.

Dee will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her sense of humor, and her tenaciously positive outlook on life. She was a purveyor of unconditional love before that term became fashionable, and she gave her children what all parents must: roots and wings. Mom was tired at the end but she faced her final illness pragmatically and with her characteristic wit, dignity, and toughness. She will be missed and never forgotten.

Dee is survived by her husband, Richard, four adult children and their spouses: Margaret (Paul) Abrahamson, James (Jamie) Barnecut, Mary Ellen (Ron) Smulski, and Andrew (Lisa) Barnecut. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Tom Smulski, Jill Smulski, Jenny Abrahamson, Rachel Barnecut, Nick Barnecut, and Angelina Barnecut.

A memorial service honoring Dee’s life will be held at St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church on Tuesday, July 28th at 3:00 p.m. with reception to follow at the parish hall. The church is at 3050 California Avenue SW. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the charity of your choice. Sign Dolores’s online Guest Book at Legacy.com and/or at emmickfunerals.com.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

2 Replies to "Memorial next Tuesday for Dolores 'Dee' Barnecut, 1926-2015"

  • Craig July 23, 2015 (3:21 pm)

    Sounds like a great woman, I would have liked to know and learn from. Sorry she has pass on from our community.

  • Mary V July 24, 2015 (5:31 pm)

    I was a neighbor of Dee and her husband Dick for many years until they downsized. She was an artist painting at the Alki Bathhouse for many years. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Thank you for posting this, as Dee was an icon in the Alki/West Seattle area.

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