Obituary of Denise Irene McDonald

Denise Irene McDonald, lovingly referred to as “the bird lady” due to her beautiful watercolor paintings, which she sold at the Olympia Farmers Market, took her last peaceful breath on this earth May 21, 2014. Dee was born in Seattle, Washington, on May 20, 1954 and spent her life in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Dee is survived by her two daughters, Maria McDonald and Tara Blacker; her granddaughter, Mikayla Chase; her faithful little dog, Zoe; and countless friends. Dee received her Master’s in Multicultural Communication from New Mexico State University and taught as an adjunct professor at community colleges in Washington and Oregon. Dee’s deepest held value was a love and respect for humanity that spanned culture, creed, race and sexual orientation. Dee sincerely believed that all people were beautiful creations of a God she loved, and each deserved to be treated with respect, grace and dignity. In addition to teaching, Dee was an amazing artist who was profoundly inspired by the birds, people, and culture that surrounded her. She loved to travel and spend time outside in the beauty of nature and most enjoyed walking the trails and beach at Burfoot Park. Please leave memories of Dee or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.