Long Beach, WA - Dierdre passed peacefully on March 4, 2025, in Washington, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on May 23, 1942, in Los Angeles, to Harlow Milton Church Jr. and Marian Elizabeth Gunkle, and is survived by her brother, Harlow Milton Church III.

A lifelong lover of language and art, Dierdre studied French at Andrews University and La Sierra College, honing her skills in Collonges-sous-Saleve, France, and later at the Sorbonne in Paris.

Her passion for creativity continued into retirement, when she embraced the art of mosaics in the Pacific Northwest, transforming glass and tile into colorful, vibrant works of art.

Fiercely independent, clever, and always ready with a witty reply or a well-timed pun, Dierdre's sharp sense of humor and quick wit made her a joy to be around.

She was also an avid traveler who found energy and inspiration in exploring new places. She especially loved anything to do with water—from the thrill of white water rafting in her younger years to the joy of ocean cruising later in life.

Dierdre had a true passion for genealogy, and discovering her Norwegian and Swedish heritage. She reveled in finding distant relatives and the stories that bridged generations, connecting her with people from all corners of the world.

Her first job, in junior high, was at WARL, a country music station in Arlington, VA, and over the years, she worked as a nurse's assistant, tutor, bookbinder, and ultimately had a long and successful career in law, rising from legal secretary to office administrator at Arnold & Porter.

Dierdre married William "Michael" Duewel in 1963, welcoming their daughter, Colleen Duewel, in 1966. In 1971, she married Raymond Clevenger, with whom she raised Colleen and a menagerie of beloved pets—most notably her "soulmate," a tabby cat named Simon McGuire.

She is survived by Raymond Clevenger; Colleen Duewel, her husband Bill Peery; and their daughter, Savannah. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Lisa (Lincoln) Snavely; sister-in-law, Glenda Church; nephew, Hal Church, his wife, Cassandra, and their children, Ian and Jeremy; niece, Danielle (Church) Barragan, her husband, Danny, and their children, Juniper and Esme; and nephew, Matthew "Will" Church, as well as many lifelong friends. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dierdre's kindness, generosity, artistic flair, and wit left an indelible mark on those around her. A celebration of life will be held in July 19 in Pasadena, CA, to honor her memory. Details to follow.

In lieu of sending flowers, Dierdre would have preferred you to buy a plant or bouquet for yourself or a friend—she would love knowing they're enjoyed.