Arlene Frances Dean

There are few sounds in life that inspired as much joy as her laugh, the sweetest of sounds that was the soundtrack of our family for nearly a century. Beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Arlene Frances Tracy Dean loved her family dearly and we knew it. Arlene was blessed with the rarest of gifts – the ability to bring laughter and make all those around her feel appreciated and special. Her generosity and kindness was limitless. And, while her family was the centerpiece of her life, her experiences reflected her talent, creativity and artistic spirit, receiving praise with humbleness.

Arlene graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing in 1940. Of Scottish heritage, she was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Arlene was an award-winning gardener, beautifying her church and home with original floral home-grown arrangements, many of which were displayed in her collection of blue glass which matched her sparkling eyes. And, oh, her style. Arlene could carry off fashion like no one else. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. Arlene loved sports and cheered tirelessly for the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Spartans basketball. But an even greater love was music. She filled the home with the sounds of hymns and gospel songs, often singing with the family ensemble, quartet or trio, in the church or living room. Though her voice faded and her hands on the keyboard were trembling, she sang and played until her final days. Arlene was guided by her faith.

She was a lifetime member of the Central Free Methodist Church, where she met Loyal Dean, the man who would be her beloved husband for the next 76 years – one of the longest unions in the United States, in fact. Theirs was a love story for the ages, and mutual devotion set an example for three generations to follow. We are all better people for having witnessed such an abiding commitment.

Arlene was preceded in death by her father, Gilbert E. Tracy, mother, Carrie E. Graber, brothers Bert and Marvin Tracy and her sister, Mary Dafoe, who was also her best friend. She is survived by her husband, five children, Linda Dean, DeeAnn Galbreath McCormick (Mark), Bethany Patton (Paul), Joel Dean (Jenifer) and Jack Dean, as well as six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. Erin Darlington, the caregivers at Promissa and Vista Springs Edgewood, as well as Grace Hospice, who made the end of her life dignified, comfortable and peaceful. You are all part of our family and we are so grateful. Words cannot express the loss we feel on her passing, nor can they match the gratitude we feel for her life. We are comforted knowing she is with the Lord. Her memory will live in our hearts.

We will be accepting friends and family for a visitation on Sunday, March 28 from 3-5pm at Gorsline Runciman Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. A funeral will be held Monday, March 29, 11am at Central Free Methodist Church, 828 N. Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48906, with 1 hour visitation prior.

Memories and online condolences can be shared at www.grlansing.com