Dolores Kenney Beam

Dolores was given her nickname, DeDe, in the 6th grade and that was how all her friends knew her throughout all her years. DeDe worked in San Francisco in her early years at Mt. Zion Hospital were she learned her bookkeeping skills and also met her long time friend Najla McAvoy. The two friends had a desire to travel so off they went to New York City. They both got jobs and explored the city. After staying a few years they decided to head for Miami Beach, Florida. Again, they both got jobs and enjoyed the beach weather. After a year, DeDe decided to come back to San Francisco. She married, and during these next years she was blessed with her two daughters , Koni and Kari. DeDe worked in a real estate office and that started her life-long career and knowledge of property and its management. Dede met a real estate guy and they purchased a 24-space mobile home park on Bethel Island. DeDe, being the ambitious person she was, developed a 92-dry-berth marina at the location. DeDe was always continuing her knowledge of real estate. She eventually went to work for, and married Alfa Walter Beam, who was also in the real estate and mobile home park business. Walter and DeDe were a part of the formation of California Outdoor Hospitality Association, which is still a leading association for RV Park and Campground owners. They enjoyed many years of establishing and growing their business and also spent many years traveling around the world and also traveling with “The Fabulous Four”. DeDe became aware of the need for residential care facilities in our county, due to her mother needing to find care. Again, DeDe went to work learning about residential care facilities by taking classes, visiting other facilities, and talking to anyone who would share their knowledge. Dede’s dream was to have a locked residential care home that had a wraparound porch, surrounding gardens on 2 1/2 acres that provided loving care for those afflicted with Alzheimer's. It took three years of developing plans, dealing with the county and state regulations, and contractors. “The Mansion” her 24-bed care facility was complete and opened in 1986. DeDe was the director and on call 24/7. The dream of having a facility so that residents could have a home and the freedom of the grounds without getting lost was complete. It was quite an achievement.

DeDe always had a love of animals and supported many animal causes. She always promoted and encouraged all educational endeavors for those who wished to advance in their careers.

Dolores was preceded in death by her mother and father, Isabella Dorothy Schweitzer Kenney and Peter Frances Kenney. Also preceding her in death are her two daughters, Koni and Kari Roderick. Dolores is survived by her two granddaughters, Raiana Roderick and Savanna Roderick-Deffee, and her two great granddaughters, Kila Marie Roderick-Bostick and Amanda Rai Roderick-Deffee. DeDe also leaves behind her loving and loyal partner Carl Hoyt.

No services are planned, but anyone wishing to remember DeDe with a contribution, DeDe always supported the SPCA and the local Alzheimer's Association. You can click on the links below to donate.