Wende Sue Bova-Dean

Wende Sue Bova-Dean went to be with the Lord on May 10, 2016, her twentieth wedding anniversary, after finally losing her battle with cancer. She was born August 13, 1959 to Clarence and Mary Bova in Tucson, Arizona. Wende lived in Tucson, Twentynine Palms, Yuma, Tucson again and for a short time in Florida before returning to Tucson to live with her father, grandmother Ruth Cooper and great aunt Mildred Warnick.

Wende’s highest priorities in life were her family and helping others. She helped the public for many years working in the retail industry at Mervyn’s, Tanner Factory Store, Office Depot (where she “picked up” her husband-to-be), Robinsons-May, Old Pueblo Traders, and Walmart. She received several awards for her outstanding work including being the subject of a Robinsons-May “This Is Your Life” presentation.

Wende received even greater pleasure in life by helping others in the role of caregiver. She helped her grandmother care for Aunt Mildred at the family home and later in a care facility. She then helped her Grandmother Ruth at home and in a care facility. Wende’s greatest source of joy and largest role as caregiver was for her father after his house became empty after Mildred’s passing, Wende’s marriage, and Ruth’s passing and when he entered the final stages of his life. She was a wonderful advocate for her father in the complex world of health care and made regular visits with him when he transitioned from home to a care facility. She added time to his life by preventing, catching, and correcting mistakes. Wende juggled the roles and responsibilities of working, caregiving and marriage for many years with energy, compassion and joy. All fathers would be fortunate to have such a compassionate, loving and dedicated daughter.

Wende was a very special person. Many, many people were drawn to her and touched by Wende’s smile, compassionate heart, sense of humor and good spirit. Animals and children especially gravitated to her. Her love of life, exploring, and people was exceptional. She was inquisitive and was always interested and very much enjoyed hearing about everyone’s lives and families. All husbands would be fortunate to have such a special, compassionate, loving, kind and dedicated spouse.

Wende was a faithful Christian and deeply believed in God and Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. There is no doubt that Wende has found a special place in heaven where she will work as an angel helping others throughout the universe. Her work as an angel may have begun before her passing – a family may have been reunited because of the impression Wende made on a young person.

Wende was preceded in death by her parents and niece Aimee Lucas. Wende is survived by her three siblings, Tona Houseman, Kim Limb (Paul) and William Jaynes (Jayne); nephews Michael Paana, Brian Paana, Ron Stalheim, and Ryan Lucas; niece Michelle Small; and by her friend of 24 years and husband of 20 years, Carey Phillip Dean.

The world has lost one of its most special people. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 11 at Sunrise Chapel, 8421 E Wrightstown Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715