GREENWOOD
Marian “Moe” Dean, 89, of Greenwood, passed away May 5, 2021. She was born in Ferndale, Michigan on May 21, 1931 to the late Roderick and Anne Grace (Cooper) Thomson.
She graduated from University of Michigan – Ann Arbor as an Occupational Therapist. Her work centered around assisting children and adults with disabilities. She retired as the Executive Director of Northeast Leaning Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was passionate about her work and loved being able to make the lives of those with disabilities better.
Moe married her husband, Joseph Dean in 1956 and were together until his passing in 2009. Her dream of having a family was realized with the raising of their 3 children while moving often with her husband’s work promotions to several different states. Learning of her husbands dream of a sailing adventure she supported them in taking sailing lessons, buying a 36′ sailboat and taking an early retirement they set out from Lake Superior to explore the Caribbean, South and Central America for 7 years. An amazing adventure they had! Once back on the mainland they settled in Pensacola, Florida where she volunteered at the Naval Aviation Museum library, became a master gardener and started her hobby of quilting. The next big move in 2005 was to Greenwood wanting to be closer to family. Throughout her life she enjoyed doing something creative be it knitting, sewing, quilting and cooking (she loved experimenting with new recipes and ingredients, coming for dinner was an adventure as every week she would have something new for us to try).
She also loved singing and had been a member of a school or church choir from the age of 5. Moe liked learning, reading and had a natural curiosity about everyone she met and the world around her. She loved many pet dogs and cats over the years including her current best friend, Ginger, a sweet golden doodle. All the neighbors got to know them while on their daily walks.
Moe lived a long, wonderful, dream fulfilled life, and will be missed dearly by many family and friends.Moe is survived by her children, Jay (Shelley), Ellen (Carl), and Rich (Amy); grandchildren, Danielle (Rod), Savannah, Sierra and Aidan; 1 great grandchild and 3 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sherry; nephews and niece.
In addition to her parents and husband, Moe was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur, and sister, Eleanor.
Share your stories of remembrance with family and friends on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Mt Auburn UMC, 3100 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN 46143 from 4-6 pm. A celebration of her life service will follow at 6 pm.
In lieu of flowers you are welcome to share in her love for music and singing in the choir by making a donation to Mt Auburn UMC music department or to further her fundraising efforts with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to G. H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood. We encourage you to share your condolences, photographs and memories with the family at www.ghherrmann.com.
