The Fading of a Rainbow

Loss of a Neighborhood Icon: DeeDee Rainbow (December 2013)

We learned that long time Madrona resident, DeeDee Rainbow, died just shortly before the newsletter deadline. A native of Seattle, DeeDee moved around the country after marriage until her husband, Peter Raible, was called to be the minister of the University Unitarian Church.

DeeDee was an art teacher at Meany Middle School for 29 years, and she was a walking work of art in her colorful robes, glittered hair and wand. She was a fan of jazz, and Paul deBarros in his wonderful obituary in the Seattle Times quoted jazz radio emcee Jim Wilkie: "When I was emceeing a concert, and I saw that flash of color, I knew it was an official event."

We were fortunate to attend her 80th birthday, and the multitude of friends that gathered at her Madrona home were as colorful as her outfit; stimulating conversations and remembrances were heard no matter which room you found yourself in.

We will miss this rainbow of light who was a welcome antidote to our frequent gray skies. A celebration of her life, including a New Orleans-style funeral march will be held at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave NE, January 4 at 1pm.

The Fading of a Rainbow (January 2014)

DeeDee Rainbow’s ashes were laid to rest in the memorial garden at University Unitarian Church on January 4, 2014, following a memorial service unlike any I have ever attended. We had been urged to