Ruth Isabel Dasche

Ruth Dasche died May 9, 2006, at her home with family, hospice and friends nearby. She was 76 years old.

Her family says she ended a more than 10-year struggle with breast cancer and amazed those she knew by giving quality time to say goodbye to her.

She was born Aug. 31, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey. Her parents were children of Russian Hungarian immigrants who met in an orphanage as children.

She married Dan Brice when she was 17 years old. Her first child was born while her husband was serving in the military in Korea.

The two had three sons, Kerry, Gavin and Rory Brice.

After divorcing, she went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree on her own, and she received many post-graduate certifications.

Ms. Dasche developed her own private practice as a psychotherapist and marriage and family counselor in Southern California where she lived for more than 40 years.

She was a lifelong political activist, supporting the Democratic party, the Green party, numerous political candidates, women’s issues and conservation groups as well as campaigns for social justice, access to health care and her personal favorite, Democracy Now!, an alternative news program.

After retiring, she moved to Vashon Island in June 2003 where she touched the lives of many.

The family thanks the Vashon Hospice team and devoted friends and family who made her last few years enjoyable.

A celebration of her life is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at the Vashon Land Trust Building. All are welcome.