Dolores (Dee) Friedhoff

March 25, 1920 – July 10, 2011

 Dee met Bill, the love of her life, at the age of 16.  They were married at 21, and had 59 wonderful years together, until Bill passed away in 2000.  Together, their love and commitment formed the strong foundation that continues to support their family today.

Dee graduated from Atchison High School in Atchison, Kansas, and from Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas.  She was active in the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and remained close to her sorority sisters throughout her life.

Dee had endless energy, especially for her family.  Raising her children was her greatest joy. She was warm and generous with her love, and had an extraordinary ability to listen deeply and sensitively.  She shared her wisdom and sage advice with the gentlest touch. Her emotional connection with her grandkids, and great grandkids, was palpable from the first time she saw them. She was never too tired to hold a baby, rejoice in an accomplishment, or listen to a problem.

Dee had a spunky, playful spirit, loved to laugh, and had a great sense of humor.    Her strong Catholic faith and her commitment to hard work were ever-present.  She was a loyal friend, and had close and enduring friendships from every stage of her life.  She had an innate ability to empathize with everyone around her.

In addition to teaching English at Shorecrest High School, she coached speech and debate.   Her “Teacher of the Year” award, which was presented at a football game with her family surrounding her, was a source of great pride for everyone. She was loved by, and an inspiration to, her students and those with whom she worked.

Dee is survived by three of her children and their spouses: Rick (Barb), Jean (Kevin) and Fritz (Heidi), by her grandchildren and their spouses: Jennifer (Rob), Darren (Ariane), Bryan (Emily), Hans (Yesenia), Alec, Eric, Emily, Andrea and Michael, and by her great grandchildren, Tyler, Sarah and Ned.  Her husband, Bill, her daughter, Lynn and Lynn’s husband, Gary preceded her in death.

Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 8900 35th Ave NE Seattle, 98115 on Monday, July 18th, 2011. If you would like to make a donation in Dee’s honor, we suggest Compass Housing Alliance, 77 South Washington Street 5th Floor Seattle, Washington 98104, where her son Rick is the Director. 

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey, Seattle, Washington.

Paid Obituary.