DeDe McCreary, R.I.P.


By Jim Smith

Long-time Venice community activist Diane “DeDe” McCreary died Oct. 26 after an acute stroke.


She had worked at Ralphs Market for 29 years, including the last nine in Venice and was a leader of the supermarket strike and lock out during 2003-04. After it ended, McCreary like many others, retired from Ralphs. She ran for vice-president of the Grass Roots Venice Neighborhood Council, and was elected with the most votes of any candidate. She was also president of Venice2000, the gang-intervention organization.

DeDe, who was only 63 at the time of her death, had been involved with Oakwood Senior Citizens for several years. She initiated a “Senior Prom,” where elders could come together to dance and get together.

The funeral will be held at 1PM, Saturday November 4 at Spalding Mortuary, 3045 S. La Brea Avenue. Viewing will be 4-7PM, Thursday and 9AM-7PM, Friday.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to” The D.D. McCrary Senior Prom Fund/ Venice 2000, in care of VDM Youth and Family Center, 610 California Ave, Venice CA 90291.

Posted: Wed - November 1, 2006 at 01:46 PM          


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