Dea Morrissey, 86, of West Seattle, peacefully passed away Sunday, November 25, 2012 in her Elder Care Home.

Dea was born to Archie and Daisy Murphy in Caldwell, Idaho, March 24, 1926, the eldest of three siblings, Lynn Mould and Donovan Murphy. After graduating from Olympia High School, she attended St. Peter’s School of Nursing as part of the Army Cadet Nurses Program. Dea did her internship at Firland’s Sanatorium where she met and married Darrell G. Lee. She received her R.N. degree in 1946.

As a professional, Dea worked in Seattle at Cabrini Hospital, Swedish Hospital and West Seattle General Hospital. She played trumpet in her high school band and later added piano and organ to her list of musical talents. She also loved to sing and whistle, and to paint and draw with flowers and sunsets her favorite subjects.

After nursing, Dea became active as a sponsor in Al-Anon, a program dedicated to helping families and loved ones of alcoholics. For many years she counseled, loved and sheltered a great many people in need of a caring friend and mentor. Her home and heart were always open. Dea loved her pets: her dogs, cats and birds. She loved to garden and be one with nature, her yard a testament to her love of beauty and her honor to the wonder of life. She always shared her special gift, the joy of life and of being human.

She is survived by her three children, Ian D. Lee, San Diego, CA, Dena A. Lee, Seattle, WA, and Van K. Lee, Spokane Valley, WA; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and brother, Donovan Murphy.

Dea’s memorial service was held January 20, 2013 at the Alki Bathhouse. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your local Food Bank or local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (127 30th NE, Seattle, WA 98125).

Published in the West Seattle Herald on January 25, 2013.