Mary Evelyn Dean

Born and educated in Walla Walla, Washington, Mary Evelyn moved to Wasington,DC, in 1956 after graduating from her beloved Whitman College where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and a political science major. In Washington, she dedicated herself to a career in government service at the CIA. She did take a seven-year hiatus after birth of her son Eric, returning to work in 1979 until her retirement in 1994. Her career was highlighted by her time in Public Affairs, serving directors William Casey, William Webster, Bill Gates and James Woolsey. She received the Career Intelligence Medal for Exceptional Achievement at her retirement.

In retirement, Mary Evelyn essentially had a second career as volunteer. She was a devoted member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, The Art Guild of Washington, Commonwealth Circle of Northern Virginia, and PEO. But perhaps her most precious time was spent in service of Washington National Cathedral, where she was chairman of the Flower Mart and a Member of All Hallows Guild, serving as Vice President 2002-2004.

During this phase of life she traveled extensively, with regular visits to Paris and France, and extensive trips to China and Egypt. But perhaps her favorite place to visit was Atlanta to see her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. She enjoyed Emmy’s violon recitals and Josh’s basketball games. And she would tell anyone who would listen that both her son and daughter-in-law were doctors.

For Mary Evelyn, sleep was optional, a 5:00 cocktail was mandatory, and chocolate was a necessity. Her motto: Work hard, do your best, and be the best at what you do.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Allen Meade and her parents Evelyn E. Dean and Stuart J. “Pete” Dean and survived by her son Dr. Eric D. Mininberg (Dr.Amy) and grandchildren Josh and Emmy of Atlanta, GA.

A family celebration of her life will take place in Walla Walla, Washington, later this fall.