Friends, On January 12 Dea was interred at the Hillcrest Cemetery on Bainbridge Island. Peter and Ricky teamed up to write a beautiful obituary to announce her passing and honor her memory in local news outlets. That piece summarizes some further details and so I’ve pasted it here…
Dea Mckibben Perry passed away on Jan 8, 2022 at the age of 68. After 5 years battling cancer, she passed away with grace, and without fear in the presence of her son Ricky and husband Peter. Dea was gifted in many ways, but in particular her creativity and ability to form meaningful connections with others stand out for those who knew her. Throughout her life Dea’s style shined through her pursuits; Art director, floral designer, food stylist, ceramicist, painter, gardener, party planner. Kindness and grit are other words that come to mind when folks think of her. Dea chose a “green burial,” wrapped in linen, covered in roses, and surrounded by burning incense with Scottish bagpipes playing as she was buried by the hands of her husband and son. The devoted nurses and doctors at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance were tireless in her defense. Her neighbors and friends eased her path with support, nurturing meals and demonstrations of love throughout her life. If in doubt of where to turn, or how to honor her memory, be guided by a simple prayer, “what would Dea do?”. A lively memorial celebration as befitting a Scotch-Irish lass will be held in the Spring. Details will be announced when they are available.
Peter and Ricky, you guys are inspiring. Let us know how and when we can support. Love to you.
She died as she lived in beauty and love. And how she adored her boys. We truly miss her, but know how she lives within all she touched forever. Much love with you, Peter and Ricky. ❤️
I just attended the Cremation Ceremony in Vietnam via ZOOM of my teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. How fitting that I would simultaneously receive the obituary of another great soul, our Dea.
Thay, as his students called him, wrote the following timeless poem in 1993:
Oneness
The moment I die,
I will try to come back to you
as quickly as possible.
I promise it will not take long.
Isn’t it true
I am already with you,
as I die each moment?
I come back to you
in every moment.
Just look,
feel my presence.
If you want to cry,
please cry.
And know
that I will cry with you.
The tears you shed
will heal us both.
Your tears are mine.
The earth I tread this morning
transcends history.
Spring and Winter are both present in the moment.
The young leaf and the dead leaf are really one.
My feet touch deathlessness,
and my feet are yours.
Walk with me now.
Let us enter the dimension of oneness
and see the cherry tree blossom in Winter.
Why should we talk about death?
I don’t need to die
to be back with you.
So beautiful. Thank you 🙏.