He Married Them Both… Just Not at the Same Time. Now They’re Married to Each Other
Two Colorado widows who were married to the same man at different times have found an unexpected new chapter together — by marrying each other.
Deb “Bo” Dimon, 72, and Wendy Ishii, 78, were both married to the late Douglas Ishii, a longtime Colorado State University professor known for his work in biomedical sciences and neuroscience research. According to a feature by the Denver Gazette, Wendy was married to Douglas for 35 years before the couple divorced in 2017. Douglas later married Bo in 2018, and the two remained together until his death in April 2025 from a sudden infection.
Despite the complicated history, the two women reconnected after Douglas’ passing while working through the details of his estate. Without a will in place, they found themselves navigating finances, property and family considerations together. What could have turned into a difficult legal battle instead became an opportunity for reconciliation and friendship, as both women focused on honoring what they believed Douglas would have wanted — fairness and stability for both families.
During discussions with an attorney about simplifying the estate, a joking suggestion that the two women should just marry each other sparked an unexpected idea. After spending months getting to know one another and rebuilding trust, Bo and Wendy decided to do exactly that.
Nine months after Douglas’ death, the two were married in a small ceremony surrounded by friends and family. They said their relationship is rooted in a unique bond built through shared history, grief and a growing friendship that developed into something deeper.
Today, the couple says their marriage represents healing and companionship after loss. What began as a complicated situation shaped by divorce, remarriage and grief ultimately turned into a partnership neither of them ever expected, but both say has brought comfort, understanding and a sense of peace moving forward.
