Dolores Behlke

Dolores Behlke

A lifelong resident of Washington, Dolores Behlke passed away on April 25, 2011, in Olympia, at the age of 80.
Known as "Dolly" to her family and friends, she was born October 5, 1930, in Enumclaw, WA, to Albert and Margaret Ghiglione. She grew up on the family's dairy farm and graduated from Enumclaw High. Dolly attended WSU earning a degree in bacteriology and worked as a medical technologist. She met her future husband, Jim, through mutual friends. They married in 1956 and moved to Olympia where they raised six children until Jim's sudden death in 1975. Family trips throughout Washington, Canada, Alaska and Montana reflected Dolly's appreciation for nature and sense of adventure. Dolly's devotion to her family was her true calling. Her community and Church were also priorities and she volunteered for many years at St. Peter Hospital, St. Michael Parish, and other local organizations serving those in need. Attending music and theater events, gardening, traveling, and most of all, spending time with family brought her pleasure.
Dolly is survived by her children, Claire Boegli of Buckley; Kay (Steve) Kopp of Bellevue; Joan Behlke (Norman Smit) of Olympia; Joseph (Dana) Behlke of Federal Way; Michael Behlke (Traci Burgler) of Kirkland; Maria Behlke (Bruce Bruski) of Issaquah; seven grandchildren; her sister Alice Moldrem of CA; and her sister-in-law Jane Behlke, of AK. Remembrances may be made to the Thurston County Food Bank.
A celebration of Dolly's life will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, May 2, 2011 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Olympia.
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