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Janice Kay Dean

1952 - 2017

BORN

1952

DIED

2017

About

Rio Americano High School Oregon State University Portland State University

Janice Dean Obituary

Janice Kay Dean

August 20, 1952 - March 22, 2017

Salem, Oregon - Janice Kay (Wilson) Dean, 64, died March 22, 2017 with her family by her side at her home in Salem, Oregon. She was born August 20, 1952, in Oakland, California. She found her life partner when she married Tom Dean in 1971. In 1970, Jan graduated from Rio Americano High School in Sacramento, California. After moving to Oregon, Jan obtained her BA from Oregon State University and her Masters Degree from Portland State University. She retired in 2015 from her Assistant Director position at Oregon Youth Authority.

Jan is survived by her husband Tom, son Jeremy Dean (wife Sherice Dean) and her two grandchildren Gavin and Zander. She had the most generous and loving heart and touched the lives of all who knew her. Her family and friends will always be thankful for the gift that was her life. While Jan had many interests, she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, running marathons, riding her endurance horse, cycling with her husband and creating gourmet meals. In keeping with the family wishes, there will be no funeral service. Comments can be sent to [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Statesman Journal on Mar. 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Janice Dean

Sponsored by Statesman Journal.

19 Entries

tim rahschulte

April 23, 2017

An inspiration to many, a leader of many, and simply a beautiful person. Jan, you were a blessing to everyone you met and you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Linda Gesler

April 6, 2017

Jan and I met when she first came to work for the state. We worked together in those early years in our careers and she changed me outlook. She made a difference in her work and in her life. I enjoyed knowing her, she was a gift.

Patty Taylor

April 5, 2017

I was very blessed to have met and worked with Jan.

April 3, 2017

My sincere condolences to Jan's family. I knew Jan through OYA. She was always cheerful and positive. I didn't know until later that she even had a health challenge. What a woman of passion, strength and grace.
With appreciation,
Alice Wiewel

C.J. Drake

March 29, 2017

I was honored to serve with Jan at the Oregon Youth Authority from 2013-15. She always had a kind word for everyone she met. Even as she was enduring her medical treatments, she radiated cheerfulness, optimism and grace. She possessed a high degree of emotional intelligence and was very intuitive. My sympathies to her family and loved ones.

Linda Morrell

March 27, 2017

I always loved to see Jan in the busyness of our days. I'd be going one way, she'd be going the other, but she'd always stop and make a point of touching base with me. I was honored to photograph her a few times over the years and it was always more than just a photo shoot. She had a way of connecting that brought you in close and made you feel loved. We were both going through cancer treatment at the same time and she reached out to me to see if I wanted to chat. Her encouragement helped me feel more myself, even when I had no hair. That's the kind of person Jan was. I miss her.

Rhonda Wolf

March 27, 2017

When I heard of Jan's passing, my heart seemed to stop for a beat or two. Jan enriched my life. I will miss her with all my heart and soul.

I've spoken about Jan to many people over the years....about how I am a better person for having her in my life. She was, and is, the most genuinely spiritual person I've ever known.

Namaste, Jan.

Sherry Lauer-Carter

March 27, 2017

Jan was a beautiful woman whose beauty radiated from the inside.

Sherry Lauer-Carter

Virlena Crosley

March 27, 2017

Jan was a person you could count on as a true friend. I was honored to have worked side-by-side with her for many years. Never have I known a person with a more joyful spirit and upbeat personality. I will miss her smile.

Virlena Crosley

March 27, 2017

Jan was a person you could count on as a true friend. I was honored to have worked side-by-side with her for many years. Never have I known someone with a more caring spirit and upbeat personality. I will miss her smile.

Karey White

March 25, 2017

I believe that Jan was the most compassionate and wonderful leader that the Employment Department has had during my 19 years.

Many years ago she offered to mentor me. Working with her was such an honor. I was blessed that I had that opportunity.

When I think of Jan Dean my first thought is, 'Class.' The beauty of her soul was just like sunshine. It was penetrating. What a role model she was to not only me be everyone.

I had no idea that Jan was ill and when the OED put out the message of her passing I was saddened beyond words. I will always smile when I think of her and my heart will fill with joy!

Thank you Jan for living your life where you placed people before politics and organizations. You will continue to be an inspiration to me!

Pamela Stroebel

March 24, 2017

A forever remembered co-worker... prayers of peace and long-lasting memories for her family.

Tamara Brickman

March 24, 2017

I was blessed to know Jan and work with her. My condolences and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Lorie Cruce

March 24, 2017

Sending prayers to her family and friends. I knew and worked with Jan, she was an amazing beautiful spirit, full of energy and light. I'm grateful to have known her.

Kay Erickson

March 24, 2017

Sending solace to Tom and all of Jan's family and friends. Jan's light, love, and laughter will be long remembered by her many friends and colleagues.
May the force be with you, my Jedi friend.

Murray McNeil

March 24, 2017

Work can be a heartless environment and I was in a particularly dark place. I had worked under Jan while on a temporary assignment previously and was now, because of budgetary reductions, scheduled to come under her again. She came over to my desk, put her hand on my shoulder, came in close and whispered to me, "I am so excited to have you coming to work for me again." I looked into her eyes and she was beaming with love and connection. This was just one of many wonderful moments with her but it stands out because I saw how much people mattered to her, how much I mattered to her. I was blessed to have had her looking over me and to have known her as a friend.

Sue Williams

March 24, 2017

Sending prayers of comfort to the family. Jan was an amazing person...always had a smile on her face and zest for life. You could always count on Jan to make your day a little better with some humor and a smile. Know that she will always be fondly remember.

Conda Walsh

March 24, 2017

Jan was a class act as a person, friend and manager. It was my privilege to get to work with her while we were both with DAS. The world really was a better place because of her presence.

Gary Wilson

March 23, 2017

I light this candle for my wonderful Sister Jan.She was such a amazing person that like this candle she could light up a room with her warm smile and generous and kind presence She will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew her. May you rest in peace my most amazing sister and friend
love you always
Gary

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