Dorothy KITT

Dorothy Kitt LA GRANDEUR A well-known Seattle florist and 50-year resident of Queen Anne Hill, died March 16, at the Exeter Retirement Community, where she had lived the past three years. Dorothy Kitt was born August 20, 1914 in Highwood, Mont., one of the five daughters of B.F. and Jenny Kitt. She grew up in Missoula and attended the University of Montana. It was while working at Garden City Floral there, she met Bernard G. La Grandeur. They were married in 1939. Bernie and Dorothy moved to Seattle in 1944, where he was employed by a defense contractor. In the early 1950s, they purchased Charles E. Cole Florists at 4th and Denny. They were a well-known couple in Seattle's florist community. Dorothy was a past president of FTD. In 1973, they opened Case and Cole Flowers on Madison St. and operated it until retiring in 1980. Bernie passed away in 1983. Dorothy was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church. She was a deacon, volunteered in church's outreach ministry and enjoyed the friendships of the Friday ladies' lunch at church. When living on Queen Anne, she was a familiar figure throughout the neighborhood, known as "The Duchess" on her daily walks. After moving to the Exeter in 2002, she continued her walking on First Hill and downtown until a month ago. She was a member of Delta Gamma and the Quota Club. Dorothy is survived by her four children: Larry B. LaGrandeur, Jeanne M. (Bill) Dierickx, Dolores L. (Stephen) Kent and Dianne L. (Michael) McAuliffe, all of Seattle; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Dougherty of Anchorage. The Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 22, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 7th and Spring St. A reception will follow at the church. Published in print on 3/19/2005.