Vivian Marie Dean

(age 96)

Passed away August 6, 2016, at the home of her granddaughter in Medical Lake, WA. She was born in Seward, Nebraska on September 15, 1919, to Albert & Lydia Bernecker. She graduated from Seward High School at the age of 16 in 1936. Following graduation, she worked briefly for the Ford Motor Company. On June 19, 1938 she married Orvill Dean, a union that lasted for over 50 years. Shortly after the wedding the couple relocated to California where Mr. Dean served in the US Navy. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Dean went to work for the Veterans Administration where his career spanned nearly 35 years. They lived in several locations during Mr. Dean’s career with the VA including Grand Island, NE, Albany, NY, Clinton, IA, Altoona, PA, and Battle Creek, MI before returning to Grand Island in 1970. Mrs. Dean held various bookkeeping and clerical positions during her time in Nebraska, Iowa and Pennsylvania. Her love and commitment to her community and church were also evidenced by her volunteer work in the Ruth Society, Altar Guild, The American Red Cross and St. Francis Hospital.

Vivian relocated to Medical Lake, WA in 2000 from Grand Island to be near her daughter Sharalyn and family. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Medical Lake.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Orvill; parents; brothers Orville and Clarence; daughter Patricia; and son Clarence. She is survived by her daughter Sharalyn (Ralph) Stearns of Medical Lake; son Douglas (Cathy) Dean of Fort Myers, FL; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Vivian’s life was held at St. John’s Church in Medical Lake on August 7, 2016. Burial will be in Grand Island Memorial Cemetery, Grand Island, NE. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to The American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or Hospice of Spokane.

Arrangements under the direction of Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Spokane, WA.