Deirdre Dineen Nakashidze Van der Linden Bugbee, known to all as Dee, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, in Vero Beach, Florida, just two days shy of her 93rd birthday. A woman of boundless creativity, quirky humor, and a deep love of whimsy, Dee lived a life rich in adventure, creativity, and connection.

Born on May 9, 1933, in Toronto, Canada, Dee was the daughter of Prince Constantine Michael Nakashidze and Beatrice Josephine Villers Nakashidze, who had been an opera singer in Canada. After graduating from Ryerson Institute of Technology, the intrepid 21-year-old set off on a grand tour of Africa that stretched into three remarkable years, during which she found work writing for the South African BBC. Upon returning to Canada, she married Septimus Van der Linden and embarked on a journey that would take her across Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Australia.

Professionally, Dee wrote for radio under the name Deidre Dineen and later as the Head of PR for a local Bank, served as editor of the Queen City Savings Newsletter. As a member of the Racquets Club in Short Hills, New Jersey, she wrote comedy skits and directed performances with the Racquets Club Players, delighting audiences with her sharp wit.

In 1979, Dee married Holbrook Bugbee, and the two eventually settled in Westport, Connecticut, in 1983. There she became an integral part of the community, serving as president of both the Westport Women’s Club and the Westport Arts Club. In 2000, Dee and Hal “retired” to Vero Beach, where she threw herself into the local arts scene, volunteering at the Vero Beach Art Museum, joining the Vero Beach Arts Club, and frequently exhibiting her oil paintings at local art fairs, including Under the Oaks and Art in the Park at Humiston Park. She painted prolifically until 2022, when she finally set down her brushes.

Dee’s creative spirit extended far beyond painting. Her completed works included tile mosaic, stained glass, illustration, decor, and writing. An avid gardener, she would converse with her plants. Trained at the Cordon Bleu Institute, she was a consummate hostess, famous for her engaging and creatively themed parties, and equally famous for her uncanny ability to snap your picture the exact moment you had a mouthful of food. She was also a devoted poodle lover, sharing her life in succession with Was, Isabelle(Izzy), To-be, Whatnot, and Sterling.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Zoya Carr-Harris and Darijan Merry. She is survived by her adoring husband, Holbrook Bugbee; her children, Michael, Tira, and Sean Van der Linden; and her stepchildren, Doug Bugbee and Sandy Larsen. As well as her grandchildren Scott, Courtney, Jessica, Alexandra, Ryan, Georgia, Zoe, Oliver, Naomi and Will.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that Dee now rests in the loving arms of her Creator, her remarkable life a testament to the gifts of joy and beauty she so generously shared with the world.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.