Jeanne Beverly Casey was born January 11th, 1927 and went home to be with the Lord on June 20th, 2012. She was born the daughter of Edith & William Casey. She had 2 siblings, Dorothy and Bill, who have preceded her in death. She is survived by brothers and sisters Frank, Terry, Larry, Judy and Allyn.
She grew up in Duluth and attended the University of Minnesota, graduating from nursing school in 1948. While attending the University, she met a young orderly, Clinton Henry Diessner. They were married October 4th, 1949.
Having relocated to Seattle, Washington, she began her nursing career. As a young nurse, she worked in orthopedics at Harborview Hospital.
In her youth she enjoyed hunting, camping and skiing. Her interest in history, genealogy, outer space and the search of knowledge continued throughout her life. She was an avid reader, going through huge stacks of books every week.
Though raised and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as an adult. Her love of God, and lifelong friendships in the Church were an important part of her life.
Shortly after coming to Seattle, the next chapter in her life was raising five children: Damon, Dan, Kathy, Eileen, and Genie. Sadly, two of her sons, Brian and Paul, died as infants. Her career quickly changed to chief cook and bottle washer, story teller, taxi cab, tutor, baker and room mother. During that time she also worked as a Teacher’s Aid in the science departments of Finn Hill Jr. High and Juanita High Schools. In 1978 she returned to nursing where she ended her career, retiring from Cascade Plaza Assisted Living in Redmond, as the Head Nurse at the age of 72. (Of course, after “retirement” she went back to work as a part-time nurse, again at Cascade Plaza.)
To many she was, known by her birth name Jeanne; to some she was Jeannie… to others, “Mrs. D.” To many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was simply….. “Bestie.” (Short for, Bestemor which means Grandmother in Norwegian)
Bestie loved God…. her friends… her dog Chaya…, books, art, culture, nature and football…, but mostly she loved her children, her grandchildren and her great grand children!
Many would say her greatest accomplishment in life was her career. Others would argue that being the greatest Mom; friend; sister in Christ; and maker of dreams were far more important.
She will be missed this side of Heaven….
But on the other side…..Oooh what a reunion!
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 27 at noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 16035 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98008. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to your favorite charity. Please feel free to sign the on-line guest book, below.