Carlin Susannah Dean

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Carlin Susannah Dean, on January 21, 2026, in Stafford, Virginia at the age of 35. Carlin was born on May 4, 1990, in Arlington, Virginia, to Deborah Carol Lambert-Dean and Michael Thomas Dean, formerly of Burke, Virginia, and now of Charlottesville. In addition to her parents, Carlin is survived by her sister, Rowanne Dean; her aunts and uncles, Claudia Dean, Carol Dean, Nick Lambert, and Sharon Rollins; her grandmother, Anne Smith; numerous other family members, and by beloved children of her household, Jaylen, Joella, and Jordan, and their mother, Julia Perkins, who were extremely precious to Carlin. She is also survived by her beloved Husky-Malamute, Murphy Bear. She was predeceased by her sister, Bronwyn Dean, in 1993.

Carlin attended Fairfax County public schools, graduating from Robinson Secondary and Quander Road School. She attended Lynchburg College, majoring in art and elementary education. She was a fabulous assistant basketball coach on the girls’ teams coached by her father; the players were always drawn to Carlin’s warmth and support. A talented artist and avid crafter, she once hand-knit and sewed the players purses as a post-season gift.

Carlin worked as a nanny, in the commercial lending industry, and most recently at the Rose Casino in Dumfries, Virginia. Her co-workers and supervisors at the Rose, one of whom told us she was a “ray of sunshine” in the casino, adored her. She was universally acknowledged at the Rose as one of their most valued employees and was given the nickname “LeBron” for her productivity. She loved the action at the Rose and regaled her family with funny stories of the colorful characters on the gambling floor.

Carlin sparkled; her smile was infectious; her laughter filled many rooms. She was always stepping up to help people and we have heard from numerous friends she supported and helped through difficult times. She raged against injustice; few days went by without her firing off a link to a news story that had made her angry. She often also shared funny pet videos, usually of goofy huskies. We are shattered by her passing and we know that many others will miss her dearly.

May she rest in peace, forever in our hearts.

A memorial for Carlin is planned for Saturday, April 25, 2026. Details will be announced here when arrangements are completed. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Carlin may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union.