Deanne A Bishop

Deanne Adele Bishop leapt into the waiting arms of her loving brothers, Richard and Donald (known then as Dick and Don), and adoring parents, Elizabeth (aka Dixie) and Draper, on 26 October 1949. Cary, Illinois would never be the same. As a child, Dee took to the piano like she took to so many things throughout her life: with tenacity, brio, and charm. More musical accomplishments were to follow, including knowing her way around the guitar, the ukulele, and of course, the stage. Beginning around 1980, Dee was deeply involved in quartet singing communities, including the Sweet Adelines, where she met friends who became family. Also central to her story is her time at Cornell College, in Iowa. She joined her father, uncles, and brother Don as an alum, treasuring her time there. An English Literature major, her favorite class was American Literature and, yes, she sang in the a cappella choir. She recently returned for her class’s 50th anniversary, delighted to savor her beloved campus and reconnect with old friends. Music, though key to Dee’s life, was not her only passion. Books, too, accompanied her everywhere. Aways an avid reader, she began her professional life surrounded by those she loved, managing Kiebel’s bookstore for several years. Surprising no one, Deanne wasn’t done learning: she went on to study computer science and landed an early job at Apple, where she spent a decade as a systems analyst, business analyst, and then information architect. Being a woman pioneer in a male-dominated field wasn’t enough of a challenge for Deanne: while at Apple, she earned her MBA and then her MA in Clinical Psychology. 1997 was a pivotal year for Deanne: she left Apple, bought her first home, and lost several notable loved ones, including her cat Munchkin. The Oregon coast proved a fine place to transition into her private psychotherapy practice as well as to put down new roots. Deanne loved the blustery weather, the rain, and the waves as well as the numerous groups of which she was an active part, both in person and online: books (naturally), meditation, spirituality, Enneagram, nutrition, and more that fueled her mind and heart. Dee was also an avid sports fan, who supported the Seattle Seahawks and Golden State Warriors and shared her passion with fellow fans around the country. In the spring of 2018, Deanne hung up her psychologist cap to focus first on caring for her mother and then, later, on enjoying retirement, which included RV ownership and travel. Trips were joyful bounds from one friend’s home to another: Deanne also delighted in the camaraderie of campgrounds and her women’s RV club. Deanne died suddenly in her home, with friends. She is survived by her brother Richard Bishop (Jane), his children Katherine Bishop (Scott), Morgan Varihue (Clarissa), and David Bishop; her nephews Matthew Bishop and Jonathan Bishop; a bevy of dear cousins, including Bonnie Richman (David) and Laura Simmons; beloved great-nieces and nephews Maxine, Edwin, Evy, and Elliot; and a host of friends and interlocutors. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Don, her sister-in-law Marsha, and many friends. Deanne will be deeply missed. A celebration of life for Deanne will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m. in the Salon at the Hallmark Resort Newport. All are welcome. Also, on May 11 and weather permitting, friends and family are invited to walk a sand labyrinth created in Deanne’s memory between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Nye Beach (just north of the Nye Beach turnaround). In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Yakona Nature Preserve, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), or a local food bank would be appreciated.

Tributes

Deanne A Bishop

October 26, 1949 - January 8, 2024