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Birgit Dillard Obituary
DILLARD, Birgit "Bee"
Bee Dillard passed away unexpectedly and peacefully, at the age of 80, on Thanksgiving Day, her favorite holiday since she immigrated to the US from Sweden in 1949. She led a very active life since coming to California. She worked beside her husband, Dr. Thomas O. Dillard, DDS, in Rancho Cordova from 1956 to 1972. He preceded her in death in 1987. She is survived by her son, Thomas Dillard, her daughter, Linda Johnson her grandson, Michael Johnson and 7 exchange students who shared her home over the years. She belonged to many organizations and touched many lives. She was one of the first California Dental Assistants certified in Northern California. She was the first District 519 governor of International Inner Wheel and later International Representative. She was also a charter member of Rancho Cordova Inner Wheel Club, and later transferred to Arden Arcade Inner Wheel Club. She was a member of the Monitor Lodge of VASA, flew her own plane out of Phoenix Field and was a member of Toastmasters. She became a realtor and invested in real estate. She was involved in investment clubs since 1970 and was the first President of the Sacramento Area Chapter of NAIC. She also was an egg artist and President of the International Egg Art Guild. She has had two of her decorated eggs commissioned by the President of the United States for the White House. Recently, since she lost her eyesight to macular degeneration, she was mentoring at the Senior Intensive Retreat with the Sacramento Society for the Blind. Her contributions were evidence of her motto that she followed throughout her life: "I always accept a challenge." In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Impact Project at the Society for the Blind in Sacramento. Contact Kevin Duggan 916-452-8271 x304. Friends are welcome to attend the memorial service Monday, December 6, 2004, at 2:00 PM at Mount Vernon Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks. A private inurnment will be held at Mount Vernon Memorial Park.
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Memories and Condolences
for Birgit Dillard
Patricia Harding
December 12, 2004
Though Bee and I never met, we spoke on the phone often. I just want the family to know they are not alone in their sorrow. My love and prayers are with her family during this dufficult time. Please find peace in knowing that others share very deeply in your loss. I believe the ones we love are never gone, they live within our hearts.
Warmly, Pat
Kaye Faraca
December 7, 2004
Dear Linda, Tom, and Michael,
I was so sorry to hear about Bee. I have admired her for many years since I first met her when she became President of IEAG. She had such a great sence of humor and did so much in promoting the Art of Eggery. I remember how much fun we had in New York visiting Ellis Island and the Faberge eggs at the Forbes Museaum. She told us all on the bus how she came to this country and how much it meant to her. She did so much for IEAG during her presidency. I recall the fun we had at your home when she and Shirley Rose trained us to be Judges for the Masters Program and how we joked because she didn't have a kitchen in her home area. She was a wonderful woman that I am sure God will use to get things organized in her area of Heaven.
God's blessing on you all.
Åke Burmeister
December 7, 2004
Dear Linda and Tom
Me and my family´s greatest sympathy in connection with the loss of Mom. She was such a great lady and took so good care of me during my highschool year. Mom,Dad and you guys will always be in my heart and I do hope you will show up here in a near future. I do wish, when the time comes, we all can part the way she did.
Love Åke
Peggy Cowgill
December 6, 2004
As President and member of the NCEA, I wish to express my deep sorrow for you and your family in the loss of your mother. Bea was an inspiration to all that had the honor of her company. She will be greatly missed.
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Mildred Van Dyne
December 5, 2004
Enjoyed talking to Bee the
last 3 years when I was at the show
Rosalie Gau
December 5, 2004
My sincerest sympathy to the family of a great lady, who I met during my egg art work. She will be
missed by all who knew her.
Debbie Grassel, Vice President IEAG
December 5, 2004
Though I've only had the opportunity to meet Bea on one occasion, she left a wonderful impression. She has the "Can Do" spirit I love. I've met numerous other eggers who she has taught various egging technics to and praise her highly. You may have left us behind for now Bea, but you are in our minds and hearts forever.
Joan Huff
December 5, 2004
I feel great sorrow in hearing about the death of the great lady, Bea. She was so upbeat whenever you seen her and never had a cruel word to say about anyone. She will be missed greatly.
Gloria Eller
December 5, 2004
I will always remember Bee as the sweetest member of our SMMIC investment club, to say nothing of how well informed she was about investing. Also, I am in awe of all that she accomplished in her lifetime. She certainly had a gift for living life to the fullest, a truly wonderful role model. My sincere sympathy to Linda and Tom and the family.
Margaretha Fredén
December 5, 2004
Dear Bee, I am so glad that you and Tom decided to take one more exchangestudent. I was no 7 in 1975. After beeing in another state for the first semester, I was ready to go home. But then you opened your home to me and completly changed everything and made my year a very happy one. The smile on your faces when we first met stays in my heart. You became my american Mom and Dad. We have had some very nice times and you and Tom took me for a lot of adventures. I am happy that we have stayed in contact througout the years and that you have met my family and tought my daughters how to make "eggs". We have some nice ones in our collection and I always think of you when I look at them. To Linda, Tom and Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. There is so much to say, but the most important is that I love you "Mom".
Kram
Margaretha
Patty Hunsinger
December 4, 2004
I've known Bee for 10 years. She has been a treasure to me. I loved our drives to club meetings. Bee gave a 100% in everything she did. Procrastination was not in her vocabulary. She was a mentor to many. She was quite an independent lady, a pillar of strength. I needed more time with her. I will greatly miss her.
Noreen Stewart
December 4, 2004
I knew about Bee Dillard from my first days in egg art through IEAG, but only met her personally once, at the one Sacramento show I got to attend some years back. I enjoyed the short visit with her. In the good ol' days...and days on AOL, as they say, we used to "chat" on the egger's list there. Someone would always say, "ask Bee", or "Bee will know"...and she always did. Another eggart jewel has been lost, only to join our other jewels that have recently been lost. Bee will be missed. - Noreen
Judy Guinard
December 4, 2004
I first had heard of Bee through her association with the IEAG. Last year I had the opportunity to meet her, I was honored. She provided me with much needed inspiration and it was nice to know she was in my corner. Thanks, Bee for the good works you did and being a guiding light.
Judy Guinard
President IEAG
Merry Peterson
December 4, 2004
I wish I had known Bee longer. She was such an inspiration to me and to egging. She will be greatly missed
Annette Mitchell
December 4, 2004
Bee has been an inspiration to me in creative egg art. She has meant a lot to me. I'm so glad I met her.
Her bright spirit will live on.
Catharina Günther-Rådström
December 4, 2004
When I was an exchange student in 1969 I lived with the Dillard familly and Bee became my american mother. She was such a warm and wonderful person, and she and The Dillard familly made my year to such a great year. I will never forget the hospitally and kindness I met and althrough the years Mom has had a special place in my heart. She was always such an inspiring, warm and loving person. Thank you, Bee, for everything.
Mable Mohr
December 3, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Bee's family.
She was a wonderful lady and a great teacher of egg art.
Gary King
December 3, 2004
Bee,
You are in a better place. I will surely cherish and hold dear to my heart the time I was privileged to have spent with you when I stationed at McClellan AFB.
Gary King
Sharon Locke
December 3, 2004
My sincere sympathy on the loss of Bea - she was such a fun lady and will be sorely missed by everyone.
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