Dianne Lee O’Brien
Dianne Lee O’Brien passed away January 1, 2019 with her longtime partner Steve Stromberg by her side at Valley Medical in Renton WA. Born September 30th, 1946 in Seattle, Wash. to the world’s smallest drill sergeant Ruth McQueen and James O’Brien. She is survived by her son’s Kelly Traynor (Karen Bayuga) and Tracy Traynor (Sarah Jaffe). Born and raised in West Seattle she was the big sister to Durenne Dickens (Chuck Dickens), Raelyn Baskett (Obi Bailey), Durwin Freeburg, and the fun loving auntie to Kerissa Foster (Chris Foster). She raised her two sons in the Shorewood neighborhood with her first husband Terry Traynor and their pack of dogs and a cat. In addition to dedicating her time to being mom, she was part owner of the Garlic Press, a kitchen shop in West Seattle, which she loved. During that time she accumulated a collection of holiday décor, or as she called them “pretties”, which she would proudly display in her home. Her house was always decorated accordingly to the season or holiday. Who knew there was a season between Halloween and Thanksgiving? Dianne did. She enjoyed camping, boating, and working in the yard with a can of cold Miller light in hand. She valued and looked forward to her time 
with her girlfriends, whether it was playing bunco or the Birthday Club. She truly enjoyed giving and providing for her family and friends. If you were lucky enough, you were a recipient to her “nummies”, which were goodies she baked or cooked and delivered to your house unexpectedly. Dianne also never missed a party, nor did she ever want to leave a party…always the last to leave! She was young at heart and could party with the best of them. It was probably because each year during her birthday she would, “take the presents and not the years”.
In memory of Dianne there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday January 26, 2019 at the Dakota Place in West Seattle located at:
4304 SW Dakota St, Seattle, WA 98116
from 1:00- 5:00.
12 Responses to “Dianne Lee O’Brien”
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So very sad, we had great fun at the garlic press and the many adventurers we went on with the girls and shopping for the store. We will miss her and loved her
Dianne was always so much fun during the time our kids were at Shorewood Elementary school and the very special years we enjoyed our friendship at “bunco” club. She made it special ever time we got together.
We all loved her and will never forget her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Dianne was a very good friend, we laughed, cried and had so many fun times. She has left me with some very special memories. She was one of five of the “Beach Girls”, can’t even share some of those fun times but trust me we had a blast! I will truly miss her but Cheri’s all those memories! Love you Dianne
Dianne was a very good friend and we shared many good times. We laughed, cried and had many good conversations. Dianne was one of the five “Beach Girls”. We had so much fun, some that has to be kept top secret by the five of us! Steve thank you so much for taking such good care and loving Dianne. I will miss her very much but Dianne has left me with so many memories that make me smile. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and Steve! I love you Dianne.
The world is truly a sadder place without Dianne. She was the most positive and upbeat person I have ever met. She always had a smile on her face and was going to make the most of the moment/circumstance regardless of how bad or good it was. No matter how repeatedly people were mean to her, she would always and only respond with respect and kindness. I will always remember and admire her.
I am so sorry for your loss. The world is truly a sadder place without Dianne. Diane was the most positive person I have ever known. Regardless of the circumstance being bad or good, Dianne was going to make the most of it. She worked hard to make people happy and could empathise when people were going through hard times. Even when people were repeatedly mean to her, she would always treat them with respect and kindness. I will always remember and admire her.
I am so sorry for your loss. The world is truly a sadder place without Dianne. Diane was the most positive person I have ever known. Regardless of the circumstance being bad or good, Dianne was going to make the most of it. She worked hard to make people happy and could empathise when people were going through hard times. Even when people were repeatedly mean to her, she would always treat them with respect and kindness. I will always remember and admire her.
I was lucky enough to be a neighbor of Dianne f starting in 2005 whenI finally retired and had time we got together a lot more….remember the many days Steve coming around th corrner of my house and there would be Dianne and I on th porch sipping, well ok , a glass of wine. Had lots of good conversations on my porch not only with her but neighbors Julie and Rose. Went thru many bottles of wine together..sorry her life was cut short, Miss you Lady Di…Everytime I drink or see Whipped cream vodka I will think of you..only one of our favorites.
One can’t think of Dianne without smiling. What a positive, upbeat person who loved her boys and her partner Steve. Always so much fun at bunco. She will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know her.
Dianne was quite the Lady and I feel grateful to have known her.
Friendly, Warm and always engaging. I have many good memories of Her & Steve at Kelly’s house for Seahawk Games, Halloween parties and the like. Kind, Caring & Genuine, the type of Mom that any kid would be blessed to have. Dianne was always fun and always ready to celebrate something. She will always be missed but leaves behind an immeasurable amount of memories for everyone to remember her by. Near of Far, Raise a glass of your favorite beverage to her, She’d like that. Lot’s of Love
Diane was the MOST FUN MOTHER/HELPER at Little Christian Pre-School. Everyone adored her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carol Thomas
I miss you Di! I’ve known you since you opened the Garlic Press and I’d bring in my kids for jelly beans and coffee for me! A few years later, you started working with me at Dr. Kubisch’s office. We had so much fun and laughs together! Last time I saw you was when you were getting your hair done at my daughter’s house about 2-3 years ago. I’m so sad that it had been that long ago. Rest In Peace. Love you! ❤️
Steve, Kelly, Tracy & Family – So sorry for your loss. Gone way too soon! Bev