Monday, September 29, 2014

Kathy and I Visit Daphne, Den and Irene


Sunday, September 28, Kathy and I met with Daphne Dempsey at her new residence in Bothell.  She is safe and comfortable in her apartment where breakfast is served in her room and she is surrounded by her artifacts and memorabilia collected over a lifetime.  Daphne treated Kathy and me to lunch in the dining room then we returned to her apartment to meet Den and Irene Dempsey and Den’s care giver, Sam.

Den has been challenged this past year with an aneurism followed by a stroke which has not affected his memory, cognition, reasoning or ability to read, but has affected his motor skills.  He can stand but requires a wheel chair to get around.  He has limited use of his left arm and hand.  He is able to speak, however, the stroke has immobilized the right side of his face which makes forming words difficult. 

Kathy was able to understand much of Den’s conversation and Sam is able to express clearly Den’s meaning.  Irene is arranging for a speech assist device to enable Den to communicate clearly on his own.

Irene explained the medical procedures Den has experienced and their anticipated move to a small home in Everett.  Daphne shared news about herself and told several jokes which caused bursts of laughter.  Den spoke about his experiences and got a few laughs, too.  He asked about my health issues and expressed concern for my well being.  Kathy related news about her quilt making and showed photos on her phone.  Sam good naturedly listened to all the conversation and clarified when needed.

After Den’s visit to the Tri-Cities last year he and I felt not only a kinship but a brotherly affection as we share common values and interests.  Daphne, Bob and Burt have been very generous sharing photos and family history with me.  I will make a priority to visit Den, Irene and Daphne when in Western Washington.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Den Dempsey Update

I have received several updates about Den Dempsey from Irene Dempsey and this is the most recent -



It has taken a while and two court petitions, but it looks as if we may move to Den's house on Federal Ave. The first petition was granted in August, but the guardian countered and said we could not move. Den petitioned again and it was granted pending fiscal study. Yesterday, I think, the court said we can move. This legal language is confusing to me.



Anyway, I will keep you posted. If I read the order correctly, we may move at the end of the month. I'll send photos after the move, but on this message I will attach a photo of Den on the deck of that house with his aide.



Den is on the waiting list for a ACD, augmented communication device. That will interpret his speech so everyone can understand him. It will be  great boon to him. He loves to visit and talk and right now it is difficult. We attended his high school (Blanchet) reunion this month and he loved seeing old friends and talked a lot to them. Though most had trouble understanding him, everyone was patient and friendly and he loved it. His only regret was that he still cannot swallow so could not share all the good food.



He is still on the feeding tube, but I have foregone the prepared formula cans and have started blending "real" food for him. It is a challenge for me that I really enjoy. I'm learning lots about nutrition and foods. I bought a good quality blender and I'm having fun making up each day's menu for him.



We went up to Camano Island and had a lovely afternoon playing cards with very dear friends there - and Den won the game with five of us playing and trying to win.  He's a shrewd card player.
His therapy is going well and he is regaining the use of his left leg and arm. The progress is not a fast as he would like but it is in the right direction.



Please keep us in your "friends" list and let us hear from you.
​If and when we are in the new abode we will invite you all to a house warming.
Love to all, Irene and Den

Gladys Staeheli Passes

Stacey Pettitt has informed me of her grandmother's death in Colville on July 1, 2014.  Gladys Staeheli was married to Lester Staeheli, a son of Robert Hermann Staeheli.  Her obituary from the Colville Statesman Examiner newspaper -




Gladys Staeheli
By editor
Created 07/17/2014 - 12:58pm


Gladys Delene Staeheli, a lifelong resident of Colville, passed away on July 1, 2014. She was born the daughter of Henry and Azalea (Loiselle) Holst on Dec. 11, 1924 in Colville. Gladys attended school in Colville and graduated from Colville High School in 1941. She met Lester Staeheli, “Babe” in 1942 after he was discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces and the couple married in April 1945.
Gladys worked in Colville at Seattle-First National Bank as a Loan Officer, and also volunteered her time working for the Historical Society in Colville.
Gladys loved to watch Gonzaga University basketball and would never miss a game. She would keep track of their stats, and always talked about the happenings on the team. She was also an avid Seattle Mariners fan, and enjoyed listening to music. Most importantly, Gladys truly loved spending time with her family. Having family close to her and watching her grandchildren play always brought a smile to her face.
Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lester “Babe” Staeheli in 1975; by her parents, Henry Holst and Azalea Carter; her brothers, Ernest and Calvin Holst.
She is survived by her daughter, Claudia Scott and husband Randy, Colbert; granddaughters, Stacy Pettitt and husband, Steve; Rayna Larson and husband, David; grandson, William Scott and wife Fawn; great-grandchildren, Riley Pettitt, Reece Pettitt, Alayna Scott, and AvarLee Larson; niece, Sharon Thompson and husband, Travis; nephew, Paul Staeheli and a cousin, Helen Hytein.
A private family graveside service for Gladys was held at Mountain View Park Cemetery on July 11.
If one so wishes, memorial contributions can be made in Gladys’ name to the Dollars for Scholars or Historical Society in Colville.
Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com [1].
Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.


Copyright © 2014 The Statesman Examiner | 220 South Main Street P.O. Box 271 | Colville, WA 99114 | (509) 684-4567


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