Deanna Jean Dufresne

Born: December 21, 1939 Entered Glory: September 4, 2023

Deanna was the first child born to Harold and Marie Friedrichs in San Diego, California on December 21, 1939. Deanna was baptized at Faith Lutheran Church in San Diego and then was raised, confirmed and married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pacific Beach. Deanna had two siblings, Gary Friedrichs and Donna Friedrichs Illobre, who both have preceded Deanna in death.

Deanna Graduated from Mission Bay High School in 1958 and was accepted to San Diego State University. She did not attend SDSU but went to work for her Father in his refrigeration business for a short time. Deanna met the love of her life, Robert Dufresne of San Diego in Walther League Youth activities and they were eventually married on February 13, 1960 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pacific Beach. Shortly after she was married, Deanna went to work as a librarian in the research center at General Dynamics. In 1964, she was hired as an executive assistant to Dr. Jonas Salk of the Salk institute, a job that she truly loved and was honored to do. She worked with the Salk institute until she became pregnant with her first child, Jill Marie Dufresne (Johnson) on February 17, 1967. Deanna and Robert had their second child, Scott Robert Dufresne on July 14, 1970. Deanna spent many years at home raising two children and eventually went back to work at Grace Lutheran Church and School in 1982 as Secretary and served in this position until 1997. In 1997, Deanna was offered the position of Church Secretary at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church until 2006. Deanna felt this position was a gift from God and was able to retire from her professional career back at her home congregation. St. Paul’s.

Deanna lost the love of her life Robert in July of 2002 after 42 years of marriage. Deanna and Robert shared a few once in a lifetime trips with Robert before he succumbed to Leukemia. Deanna spent the majority of her retirement traveling with friends and family and spending quality time with her grandchildren Heather Johnson, Christian Dufresne and Danielle Chier. Deanna was a beloved Grandmother who cherished every moment she had with her Grandchildren.

Over the last few years, Deanna began to slow down, but loved her church, going to Bible Studies and spending time with close family. The last 3 years of her life she struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease but handled it with the Grace she always possessed. She never forgot her family and battled valiantly till the end. In July of 2023, Deanna was able to see her first Great- Grandchild, Paisley Rae Chier enter the world and this brought her great joy.

In her last days, God shined through and He allowed Deanna to witness the Baptism of her Great Granddaughter Paisley on September 3, 2023 and then the Lord took Deanna home the very next day on September 4th.

Deanna lived her life with grace, dignity and faith. Her legacy will always be her family that she deeply loved and raised in the Christian Faith. Deanna was the glue that held our family together, she loved spending time with friends, family, celebrating milestones and just having meals out with all of her family. Deanna will be deeply missed but we all know that we have the Blessed Assurance of Salvation and will see her again.

Deanna leaves behind her daughter Jill Johnson, Son-in-law, Duke Johnson, Son, Scott Dufresne, Daughter-in-law, Elisa Dufresne, Grandchildren, Heather Johnson, Christian Dufresne, Danielle Chier, Grandson-in-law, Daniel Chier and Great Granddaughter Paisley Chier.

A graveside service for Deanna will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Dufresne family.