Dolores (Bostwick) Kirkwood of Montesano, Washington passed away on Saturday Jan. 28, 2023, at Gulke Manor. She was 92.
Many of her friends would call her “Dee.” Her husband would call her “Dee-Dee.”
Dee was born on March 12, 1930, in Payette, Idaho to Lee and Bessie Bostwick. She was raised in Aberdeen, Washington and graduated from Weatherwax High School with the Class of 1949. Dee stayed active arranging and attending class reunions until their final reunion in 2022.
Dee was intelligent, personable and a leader in her class. In high school, she was president of several clubs, made the Honor Society, and received numerous awards, including the last Charles (Sonny) Sargent trophy for scholarship, activities and school spirit.
Dee started work and was employed at Preble Insurance in Aberdeen, and it is here where she met her future husband. On Jan. 3, 1953, Dee married John H. Kirkwood Jr.in Aberdeen, Washington at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They were married for 59 years before John passed away on June 16, 2012.
Dee loved to travel and worked as a travel agent until age 85. She traveled the world and at every opportunity would join “Fam-Trips” to Fiji, Cook Islands, Hawaii, etc. to tour hotels — even if it were only for a few days. Her favorite vacation spot was her beloved Po’ipu Beach on the Island of Kauai. Additionally, she enjoyed spending time sunbathing at their Summit Lake cabin that her husband helped build.
She loved gardening and her hydrangea’s were her pride and joy that she shared with many. Her bird feeders were always full and she enjoyed watching them come to her backyard to enjoy a meal.
Dee enjoyed watching ice skating, Dancing with Stars, The Voice, and her beloved Mariners. The Mariners filled her last year with joy and excitement. Our entire family thanks the Mariners team for their 2022 Season. Go Mariners!
But her true love was her family. Her children and grandchildren were her focus. Attending sporting activities, taking them on trips to share her love for adventure and teaching them to enjoy all this life has to offer. She could be found teaching them how to swim, cooking one of her favorite recipes and just being available for any advice that may be needed. She had an insight that was valued and solicited by her family.
Dee is preceded in death by her husband Judge John H Kirkwood; son Mark Kirkwood; and sisters Barbara Cole and Lois Pearson.
She is survived by her brother Gary Bostwick of Lacey, son Robert (Jodi) Kirkwood of Olympia, daughter Ann (Jay) Pearson of Raymond; six grandchildren: Bryan and Denny Kirkwood; Jamie (Ryan) Cutshaw and Jayson (Krista) Kirkwood; Drew (Brieanna) and Matthew Pearson, six great-grandchildren: Camryn and Trevan Cutshaw, Harper and Emerson Kirkwood, Ireland Hennessay-Kirkwood and Kade Pearson, and last but not least, her beloved Siamese cat Min and “grand-dog” Buddy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to PAWS, Old Dog Haven or a charity of your choice.
To honor our mom’s wishes, the family had a private service.
To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.
