Donajean Deccio Obituary (1937

Donajean 'Dee' Deccio, 80, of Yakima went home to be with our Lord and Savior, surrounded by her loving family, on January 30, 2018. Born to James and Lula Deccio on May 18, 1937 she was the miracle they were told couldn't happen. What a blessing she was, she joined her older sister Betejo, and together they were the best of friends. A move to Ellensburg area in Kindergarten to start the family's first restaurant was just the beginning. Returning to Yakima in the 3rd grade, she would tell stories of her momma making her and her sister matching dresses. Donajean quickly excelled in ice skating, it was her joy and passion in life, she was scheduled to compete in the Olympic trials when she contracted Polio at age 12. Her dream was cut short, but it didn't take long for her to become involved in the local choir, she found her voice through singing. In High School her days were spent with her best friends' crusin the Ave, Donajean, Mickey, Leah, and Joyce were inseparable. She graduated from Yakima High School in 1955 and began attending Washington State University, where she met and fell in love with Bruce Austin Glenn, also of Yakima. The Washington State Choir was always a fond memory from those days. Bruce enlisted with the United States Army, Special Forces, and a move to Panama followed. She told the story often of how rough the waters were and that the women were strapped to their bunks for safety. She was never on a boat after that again, not for lack of her family trying. After living in Panama, Dee and Bruce moved several times before settling back into Yakima to begin their family. The lights of their lives were Bruce, Tamara, and Barry and she worked hard to ensure they had a life to one day be proud of. She was a resilient woman who conquered all that was thrown her way. Dee's primary joy in life was being around and caring for her family, even up to her death. Her ability to put her needs aside and to help someone she loved is an attribute not held by many. There was not a day that went by she did not think of others before herself. She truly did love like Jesus. As her parents grew older, Dee selflessly chose to take care of them to give back what she felt was years of support they gave to her during her younger years. Dee was a true caregiver. Dee had many jobs during her lifetime; working at Handford in Thermoluminescent Dosimetry, managing Madison House Retirement Apartments, TCI cable and sales, she was the past Board of Directors for the Senior Companion Program, and her most favorite and rewarding job Best Friends. Best Friends was very near and dear to her heart, working alongside her cousin Amy Anderson, she was able to help breast cancer survivors like herself. Many summers were spent at the Breast Cancer walks with her family and friends. Of all her accomplishments her main love was raising and caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dee was a member of the Holy Family Church and enjoyed talking about her faith often with her granddaughter. Her love for reading was unparalleled, autobiographies were her favorite. Working outside in her flower and vegetable garden, marigolds, hostas, and tomatoes could always be seen growing year after year. Game shows and I Love Lucy were always big in the house, she could have won millions playing Jeopardy! Of all her hobbies there was one that stood out amongst the rest. Dees love for caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren had no bounds. They had more than just a special bond, her grandchildren found rest and peace in her presence. Whether you were leaving her house to go home for the evening or taking a trip out of town, Dee could always be heard saying 'I love you, and my flock of angels are always over you.' She will be deeply missed. Donajean is survived by her children, Bruce (Tawnya), Tamara (Pete), Barry (Joan), seven grandchildren, Alex (Sean), Kennedy, Peyton, Turner, Savannah, Allianne and Austin Glenn. Two great-grandchildren, Elle' and Hudson. Sister, Betejo (Don) Bleakney, niece Brenda, nephew Jimmy, and many very close, dear cousins. DonaJean was preceded in death by her parents James and Lula Deccio, aunt and uncle Alex and Lucille Deccio, along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Her family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Kaplan for the years of caring for our mother and treating her with such love and respect. Words simply cannot express our gratitude. A Celebration of Life and Rosary will be held at the Holy Family Chapel (5315 Tieton Drive, Yakima), on Monday, February 5th at 5:30 pm. A Graveside Service will be held, Tuesday, February 6th at 11:30am at Calvary Cemetery (1405 S. 24th Ave, Yakima), with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), for either Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, or American Diabetes Association. SERVICES Funeral service Tuesday, February 06, 2018 11:30 AM Calvary Cemetery ,