Deirdre Ann O’Neill, 80, of Winthrop and formerly of Bellingham, died in the early morning hours of Sept. 7 from Lewy body dementia. She was a force to be reckoned with, and struggled to make her voice heard to the very end.
Deirdre will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother; a passionate, creative, and talented educator; a cherished sister; and a dear and loyal friend. She was so many things that she is hard to sum up, living life to the fullest with confidence and optimism. She was an avid outdoorswoman, a traveler, a lover of literature, music, world cultures and languages, a dancer, a gardener, and a seeker of knowledge.
She is survived by her husband, Troy Ness, of Winthrop; sons Thane Walkup (Shaila Gala) of Mukilteo and Alex Walkup (Taya Montgomery) of Issaquah; grandchildren Justice, Athena, and Asha; stepsons Joby Ness and Jacob Ness (Melissa Syracuse); several step-grandchildren; sisters Donna Butts, Mariann Strachan, and Kathleen Hallett; and her kitty, Pickles.
A celebration of Deirdre’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Twisp Valley Grange, 344 W. Second Ave., Twisp.
