Jean Isabelle (Deeves) Dean

Jean Isabelle Dean, 96, of Southbury, CT, peacefully departed this life on November 13, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Hazel Deeves. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Donald; son David, daughter-in-law, Leslie; and brother, Richard.

Jean grew up in New Rochelle, NY, and attended New Rochelle High School. She graduated from Adelphi University with a nursing degree. In 1946, she went on a blind date and in October of 1950 reconnected with her date, Donald Dean. They were engaged on April Fools' Day and married on June 30, 1951. They lived in Pearl River, NY, where they started their family of 4 children: Richard, David, Robert, and Cathy. In 1961, the family moved to River Vale, NJ. As members of the Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, the family formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed many travels together.

In 1966, they moved to Mountain Lakes, NJ, where Jean continued with her nursing career working at Troy Hills Nursing Home. In 1971, Jean went back to school at Seton Hall University and became a certified school nurse and health teacher. She worked for the Mountain Lakes school system for 18 years. While living in Mountain Lakes, she was a member of the Community Church and played in the Bell choir. She enjoyed playing bridge, sailing, skiing, tennis, fishing, and camping with Donald and the family.  In 1982, she and Donald purchased property in Southold, NY and built a beautiful second home.

In 1987, Jean's world changed as Donald passed away unexpectedly. Jean retired in 1989 and moved to Heritage Village in Southbury, CT. Jean volunteered as an ambulance driver for the local hospital and was a member of the United Church of Christ. She travelled to Africa, Australia, South America, Canada, Russia, China, Europe, and parasailed in the Caribbean. Jean also enjoyed her ski trips out west with the 70+ ski club and continued to ski until she was 88 years old. She would spend weekends and summers out on Long Island, driving herself on those trips into her 90s. 

Jean moved to Pomperaug Woods in 2012. She was an avid bridge player there and participated in weekly art classes. Jean volunteered at the local thrift store, took photography classes, performed in skits, played bingo and rummikub. Jean was a fan of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team. She was a fierce competitor. And as a golfer at Pomperaug Golf Course her greatest accomplishment was a hole in one at the age of 82.

Jean was a dog lover and with her beloved Abbie, she became the first person at Pomperaug Woods that was allowed to have a dog. After Abbie passed, she adopted Molly and would continue to walk and care for her. Molly was a true companion for Jean and was always by her side.

Jean is survived by her children, Richard (Joan) of Brooklyn, NY, Robert (Lisa) of Wilmington, NC, and Cathy Riley (Kevin) of Roswell, GA.  She has nine grandchildren, Brian (Julie), Charlotte, Sean (Danielle), Alex, Andrew (Aleaha), Christopher (Hilary) Connor Riley, William Riley, and Mackenzie Riley. She has four great-grandchildren Camila, Lucas, Leo, and Leslie. 

There will be a small reception for Jean at Pomperaug Woods on December 9th, 2023, from 1:00-3:00 PM. Jean will be cremated, and her ashes spread on Long Island, where a family memorial will be scheduled next summer.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southbury Training School Thrift Shop, 1461 S Britain Rd, Southbury, CT, 06488 ATTN: Volunteer Services. Please make checks payable to Southbury Training School Volunteer Services. Carpino Funeral Home is honored to have been entrusted with Jean's care and final arrangements. 

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