Obituaries

She attended Budlong Elementary School in Chicago, where she enjoyed reading, writing stories, and art. Art class quickly became her favorite, and her talent was recognized early as she was asked to attend Saturday classes at the Chicago Art Institute from fifth grade through high school. This is where Dee’s artistic talents blossomed, and her talent continued to flourish throughout her life. Dee attended four different high schools, three in Chicago and one in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Throughout all of those moves, Dee continued to be dedicated to nurturing her artistic pursuits. She then continued her education at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Throughout the years, Dee’s career path was as diverse as her interests. She worked as a secretary at Allied Van Lines and Ecko Products; owned her own clothing store, “Over the Rainbow,” in La Jolla, CA; and worked with Child Protective Services in the Escondido office.

Dee was a longtime member of the Escondido Art Association, where she continued to express her creativity through painting and photography. She loved going to the movies, watching her beloved Padres on TV, and spending time with family and friends.

Dee was lucky enough to have two great loves in her life. She met her first husband, Bob Dunsmore, in college at Northwestern. They were married in January 1951 and had their first child, Dawn, soon afterward. Dawn was followed by Fred, Mark, and Denise. Dee and Bob enjoyed dancing, watching their children grow (Dee’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy throughout her life), and traveling throughout their 26 years of married life. They fulfilled their dream of moving to Sunny, CA, in 1975. Dee met her second husband, Jim Christensen, when they were introduced through mutual friends when Dee’s coworkers talked her into joining a bowling league. They were married in September 1982 in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. They enjoyed traveling, movies, trips to Vegas, and walking hand in hand through life for twenty years.

Dee was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Bob Dunsmore and Jim Christensen; her parents, Carlyle and Evie Wells, and Louis Fratto; her grandmother, Granny Hannah Reese; her siblings, Johnny Fratto and Frankie Fratto; and her stepson, Jeff Christensen.

She is survived by her children, Dawn (Dave) Evans, Fred (Shelley) Dunsmore, Mark (Deb) Dunsmore and Denise (Lou) Christensen; her stepdaughters, Kris Christensen and Judy Day; her siblings, Cheri Wells, Tommy Fratto, Willie (Jenny) Farrell, and Carmie Farrell; her grandchildren, Vanessa Evans, Davey (Jess) Evans, Jake (Jenny) Evans, Nicole Dunsmore, Katie (Geoff) Glass, Christy (Alex) Place, Kelly Dunsmore, Court Dunsmore, Lou (Maggie) Christensen, Haley (Bryce) Stockwell, Joe Christensen, Ashley Christensen, and Allison (Tommy) Nelson ; great-grandchildren, Asia Griffen, Owen Evans, Aden Evans, Fischer Evans, Chase Evans, Parker Glass, Sienna Glass, Isla Glass, Colette Glass, Wesley Place, Felicity Place, Isla Christensen, Evie Christensen, Josie Stockwell, Crosby Nelson, and one precious little one on the way; her cherished nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends.

Dee’s memory will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of those who were lucky enough to have her as part of their lives.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Escondido Art Association Children’s Education Fund: Youth Education Fund.