Penny Kaye Dean

Born Penny Kaye Rees on June 28, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, she grew up in Liberty and made Blue Springs her lifelong home after marrying Terry. They shared 53 years of marriage before his passing.

A devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. John LaLande Catholic Church, Penny placed God and family at the center of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cared for her grandmother, Frances; her mother, Maxine; and her husband, Terry, before their passing. Her steady presence, calm determination, and ability to handle difficult situations were gifts to those who depended on her.

Penny built a career in human resources. Helping open St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs was one of her proudest accomplishments, and she especially loved working alongside the nuns from the Sisters of St. Mary’s. At TranSystems, she provided steady leadership through multiple acquisitions, bringing the same calm determination and care for people that defined her life.

Of all her roles, being a grandmother brought her particular joy. She never missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s concerts and school activities. She was especially proud of Sabrina’s journey into medical school and delighted in Isaac’s love of football and sports.

Penny loved bringing her family together, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and enjoyed decorating for every holiday. She shared a particularly close bond with her niece, Michelle Dean Sirna, whose frequent visits she treasured. An avid reader, Penny also enjoyed quiet time with a good book. Above all, she will be remembered for her faith, her strength, and her unwavering love for her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Dean; her brother, John Hotujec; her mother, Maxine Hotujec; and her grandmother, Frances Long.

She is survived by her son, John Dean, and his wife, Ana Maria, of Overland Park, Kansas; her daughter, Lesley Dean, of Kansas City, Missouri; her beloved grandchildren, Sabrina and Isaac, of Overland Park, Kansas; and her dear niece, Michelle Dean Sirna, of Harrisonville, Missouri.

Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Penny’s memory to St. John LaLande Catholic Church in Blue Springs, Missouri.