Obituary

Dolores passed away March 29, 2021. She was born August 16, 1928 to Gus and Ethel Benson in Issaquah, Washington. She lived nearly all of her life in the Whatcom County area.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Ethel Benson; half-brothers, Bert and Elroy; sister, Barbara Hanson; son-in-law, Bruce White; and her loving husband, Geran Dalenius.

Dolores (“Dee”) graduated from Bellingham High School in 1945. While in high school she worked for the Mt. Baker Theater as an usher. Upon graduation she attended Bellingham Secretarial School then went to work for the telephone company. Eventually, she went to work for Puget Sound Power & Light. She was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for many years.

While ushering at the theater she met Geran Dalenius. He was a year younger, and he was immediately attracted “to the girl in the cute usher’s uniform”. Dee admits she turned down many requests for dates before finally relenting. They eventually married August 11, 1950 and enjoyed 67 years of marriage.

Dee and Geran loved spending time together outdoors and traveling. They spent time in France, England, Sweden, Mexico, and the Panama Canal. Their favorite places however, were right here in the United States. They bought an RV and traveled all 50 states, most all of the Canadian provinces, and parts of Mexico before settling down with a second home in Desert Hot Springs, CA. They enjoyed golfing and visiting friends and family.

Dee was a loving mother to five children. She joked she would have had five more! She enjoyed gardening and grew the most gorgeous Gladiolus. She loved fresh summer vegetables and would can for the winter months. She made amazing jams. Her pies were renowned and her German Chocolate cake a masterpiece. She loved her daily walks at Cornwall, Boulevard, or Hovander Parks. She was a whiz at Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and quick with Sudoko and a crossword puzzle. She and Geran loved their nightly game of dominos.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sister, Lorraine Walsh (Bill); her children, Gary Dalenius, Karen Dalenius, Greg Dalenius (Ruth), Kristie Sholtis (Jim), and Kaye White; 9 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

A private graveside committal will take place on April 23, 2021 for immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this summer.

Memorials may be made in Dolores’ honor to the National Park Foundation.

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