Dee’s Memorial Fundraising Campaign

On April 16, 2021, our beloved Dale Lee "Dee" Oke - mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend - passed away at home in Houston surrounded by family and with the loving support of her community near and far. We are so grateful for the calls, texts, and visits while she was in the hospital. She was so well-loved.

Dee's passion for the outdoors and love of birding was a gift she enthusiastically shared with all who knew her. "Birdie", as she was affectionately called by her loving grandchildren, was an avid birdwatcher who found great joy in spending time outdoors. She traveled all over the world and throughout the US for the simple joy of seeing a new bird. Dee found particular joy in birdwatching in local nature sanctuaries such as High Island, Bolivar Flats, the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, and the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

To honor her life, memory, and legacy, our goal is to create a memorial site bearing Dee's name in one of Houston Audubon’s local nature sanctuaries. The site will be a shaded area with benches that will serve as a gathering location for birdwatchers and nature lovers from all over the world. Donations will also go toward supporting the work of Houston Audubon in three main ways: habitat protection and restoration, conservation advocacy, and environmental education.

So many of you have asked how you can support the family during this difficult time, especially given the inability to see her during her final months. We hope you will consider this fundraiser as one way to support and continue the impact Dee made in your life by making a contribution. Although Dee’s time with us was too short, we hope that this fundraiser will ensure that her legacy and passion for birding will endure. Any contribution, large or small, is welcome and appreciated!

All donations will go directly to Houston Audubon, an organization that focuses on protecting the natural environment for birds and people. No money will be used to alleviate any expenses incurred by Dee’s family or friends.

Thank you,

The Family of Dee Oke

* Note: all donations will go directly to Houston Audubon Society and are tax-deductible

More information about Houston Audubon Society:

Houston Audubon's mission is to advance the conservation of birds and positively impact their supporting environments. This is accomplished in three main ways: habitat protection and restoration, conservation advocacy, and environmental education. Houston Audubon envisions the creation of a healthier, natural environment and more beautiful place to live by leading and nurturing a community that values and supports birds.

Houston Audubon owns and manages 17 bird sanctuaries in five counties totaling 3,445 acres, including the internationally known High Island and Bolivar Flats sanctuaries. Houston Audubon is a regional provider of education and conservation programs throughout an 11-county service area including Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, Washington and Wharton counties.

Houston Audubon is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization and is supported by member dues and donations from individuals, foundations and corporations.