Dorothy Jean Marie Dean

ISHPEMING, Mich. - Dorothy Jean Marie Dean, 78, formerly of Wakefield, passed away Sunday evening, Nov. 16, 2014, at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming, with her youngest and oldest child holding her hands. She was also under the care of Lake Superior Hospice.

She was born July 26, 1936, in Wakefield, the youngest child of the late Victor Armas and Lempi Elizabeth (Vainionpaa) Nurmi. After graduating from Wakefield High School in 1954, she attended the Augustana School of Nursing in Chicago, graduating in 1957.

On Sept. 28, 1957, she married James Dean in Great Lakes, Ill. Together they started a family, having three boys, moving from place to place, wherever the U.S. Navy sent them. Dorothy was very supportive of her husband's career in the military, especially while he was away on deployment, taking care of the home and family on her own and continuing her career as a Registered Nurse. Once the family retired from the Navy, they made their home back in Wakefield, where after a time, they had two more children, "the girls."

She was employed as a registered nurse at various hospitals over the years, along with home health agencies, most recently, Marquette General Hospital, retiring in 2001.

Dorothy enjoyed sewing, reading, painting and crafting. It was not unusual to see three or more tables set up in her home with three or more projects going. She also loved the arts, museums, libraries and plays. Dorothy was so very proud of her grandchildren and never turned down an opportunity to visit them and to witness their numerous talents at work.

She was a life-long member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield and attended Messiah Lutheran Church during her time in Marquette. Her faith was strong and never faltered. The wear on her Bible filled with highlights, underlines, and notes in the margins is a visual testament to her daily devotion to her faith, which she set a beautiful example for her family to follow.

She is survived by her children, Daryl (Mary) Dean of Rhinelander, Wis., Karl (Dianne) Dean of Chanhassen, Minn., Kevin Dean of Wakefield, Liisa (Carl) Waara of Grayland, Wash., and Sarah (Matt) Jackson of Marquette; grandchildren, Christopher (Valbona), Timothy (Alicia) and Kolin Dean, Sarah (Mike) Pentek, Jacob Dean, Lindsy, Courtney and Sam Dean, Evan Waara, Lucas, Hayden and Chloe Jackson; and a great-grandchild, William Pentek, and many nieces and nephews. Besides James, she was preceded in death by her parents, nine brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held on Dec. 6, 2014, at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield with Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church with the service at 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Having a grandchild with this disease, Dorothy was a cheerleader and a prayer giver for the researchers as they continue to make strides towards a cure. Donations can be made at: cff.org or sent to: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Washington Chapter, 520 Pike St., Suite 1075, Seattle, WA 98101.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family, where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.