Marie M Dess

Obituary Marie Dess, 82, a beautiful woman with a big heart, died after a brief illness February 6, 2007. Born in San Jose, CA, Marie spent her early life in Ferndale, CA before moving to Tacoma more than fifty years ago. She worked as Hostess at the County City Building from the time it opened in 1959, until her retirement more than twenty years later. She was well known for her tireless smile and sure answers, helping visitors find their way. Marie considered "the Boys", and "her Girls" at the building her family, and treated them with grace and love. Marie was a long time member of the Danish Brotherhood, both serving the group and enjoying the company. She initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star in 1952. Marie loved fishing and the ocean, visiting when she could. She treasured her memories of the many trips to visit family in Denmark. She was preceded in death by her late husband Eddie Valish and brother Stan Jorgensen. Marie was very much in love with and is survived by her husband of 32 years, Jim Dess. She also leaves behind his sons Jim, Jr., of Santa Cruz, CA, and Peter Dess of Seattle, Grandsons Jamie, Elliott and Colin. Marie's first family includes the following: her cherished sister Olga Foster, niece Kris Martella, nephew Mike Kausen, and nephews (her basketball team) Skip, Tom, Kim, Steve and Jerry Jorgensen. The family thanks Carmen and coworkers at The Weatherly, and Franciscan Hospice for their loving end of life care. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Tacoma with reception to follow. Interment at New Tacoma Cemetery.