Delysia (Dee) Gronbeck

1926–2017

Delysia (Dee) Gronbeck died peacefully in her sleep on October 27, 2017. She was 91.

Dee liked people and had a sense of style and verve that drew people to her. She was nominated Public Affairs Chairperson for the Western Region of Planned Parenthood and later also named to the National Board. Using her persuasiveness and energy, Dee fundraised for them for over 10 years in the 1970s. Years later she provided public tours for the Santa Barbara Historical Museum from 1997-2008.

When Dee moved to Sterling Court Senior Living Community in San Mateo in 2009, she returned to painting, which she had enjoyed as a young woman. Beginning at age 84, her passion for art was rekindled. She worked tirelessly in 2 weekly painting classes, and met fellow student Dr. Stephen Marks, who became a dear friend and beloved companion. Dee painted up until the last week of her life. An exhibition of 40 paintings is currently on display at Sterling Court.

Dee was born in Auburn, Washington on March 23, 1926, but soon moved with her family to California and spent much of her early youth in Santa Barbara. She attended Lowell High School in San Francisco and UC Santa Barbara. In 1947, Dee met and married Dr. Christian Gronbeck Jr., who was completing his residency at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco.

While Chris worked as an Army doctor and administrator, Dee became an English teacher and raised the couple’s son and daughter. The family lived in New York City, Turkey, Germany, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C.

After 20 years with the Army, the family moved to Kentfield (Marin County) in 1962. Dee was a mother, gourmet cook, gardener, skier, scuba diver, artlover, volunteer, and world traveler.

In 1994, Dee and Chris retired to Santa Barbara, where they lived until Chris’s death in 2006. They were married for 59 years.

Dee is survived by her son, Christian Gronbeck III (Jeanne Trusty) of San Rafael, her daughter, Barbara Allen (Mark Allen), granddaughter, Ellery Cook (Joe Cook), grandson Nicholas Allen (engaged to Andrea Martinez), and great granddaughters Saffi and Runa Cook, all of San Francisco.

The family deeply appreciates the staff at Mission Hospice, 1670 South Amphlett Blvd., Ste. 300, San Mateo, CA 94402 and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to this organization or to Planned Parenthood.

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