Beverly Jaquleine Dillon

Beverly Dillon passed away peacefully on March 10, 2023, surrounded by family. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mentor, and friend. Bev was a kind, generous, gracious and inspiring woman; a gifted artist, designer, and writer; and an excellent, encouraging teacher. She was born on November 8, 1932 to Jack Cooper and Marjorie Abelard Hill. As a child Bev enjoyed playing outside with friends, observing nature with a magnifying glass, drawing and painting, collecting frogs, climbing trees, jumping into haystacks, and reading. She was drawn to the needle arts from a very early age, and eagerly learned to crochet, knit, tat, make lace, and sew.

Bev married the love of her life, Bill Dillon in 1950. They settled in Washington, had seven children, and created a loving, active household filled with art, music, and many wonderful adventures for their large family. Bev became a leader in the needle arts community, and a member of the International Organization of Lace, the Lacemakers of Puget Sound, the Lacy Knitters Guild, and the Pacific Northwest Needle Arts Guild. She shared her joy and expertise in the needle arts through her beautiful patterns, instructional videos, classes, and demonstrations.

She taught crocheting, knitting, lacemaking, spinning, and tatting, and gave demonstrations at local fairs and events. Bev traveled to different parts of the country to teach and participate in needle arts conferences and seminars. She also had the opportunity to travel to many countries with her husband Bill and met people from all around the world. She visited yarn shops and needle artists in Ireland and was inspired to design and knit many beautiful Irish sweaters.

Bev loved nature and enjoyed working in the garden, growing unusual plants, and spending time in the mountains. She loved to read and share books with family and friends and worked as a volunteer reading teacher. Bev also loved music and played the violin, piano and other instruments. She especially enjoyed Irish music. Bev was very nurturing and provided many exceptional opportunities for her children and grandchildren to participate in art, music, and outdoor activities, passing on her love of learning, creativity, and nature to future generations.

Bev is survived by three sisters, her husband, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in all of us who loved and appreciated her, and in her patterns, teaching videos, and the many baby blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, shawls, sweaters and lace items that have been made from her patterns by family, friends, students, and clients over the years. Bev has touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and creativity. She is greatly missed, and we will always cherish her memory.