Melody "Dede" Proimos

Melody “Dede” Proimos

Dede was born in Worcester, Massachusetts.  At an early age she moved with her family to California to escape the Massachusetts winters.  She grew up in San Rafael and got her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University.  She started her carrier in San Francisco working in the corporate office of an insurance company.  Shortly afterwards she married Lee. A great opportunity came along 12 years later and they moved to Southern California.  They retired in 2001 in Rancho Mirage where they met the best friends anyone could expect.  The heat of the desert finally convinced them to move to Poway where they enjoyed the weather, beauty and spirit of San Diego.  Dede passed  peacefully on August 6, 2018 in San Diego, California.  She would have celebrated her 68th birthday in October and her 44th wedding anniversary in September. She was one of three children born to Anne Lucille and James Edward Donovan.

Dede was a loving wife/partner, sister and friend to all.  She enjoyed playing golf and swimming in Rancho Mirage and upon their move to San Diego a new pleasure was walking the San Diego Zoo Safari Park,  going to the many activities San Diego offers and watching sports.  She was a master at planning vacations and road trips.  She knew San Diego so well that she would plan unique drives in the county that always seemed to end with an excellent meal.  One of those favorite drives would be out on Del Dios thru Rancho Sante Fe to the coast to eat dinner and watch the sunset.  Often the hot air balloons would be preparing to land and they would follow them to the landing spot.

Dede is survived by her husband Lee, two brothers James William Donovan and Michael Donovan and her nephew Michael Patrick Donovan and his son William James Donovan

Dede will be laid to rest on August 17th at Dearborn Memorial Cemetery in Poway, CA.

To My wife and best friend - you left us way too soon.

I was so fortunate to be with you for over 45 years.  Along with your family and friends, we will dearly miss your beautiful smile and sharing your love for life especially being outdoors with nature.  We will celebrate you life and thank you for all the love, joy and spirit you gave us at one of your favorite places -- the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

We can already hear you roar.

In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked to please make all donations to: San Diego Zoological Society 

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