Virginia Mae Dean

Virginia Mae (Korber) Dean passed away peacefully on Saturday March 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born November 16, 1932, in Bon Air, PA daughter of the late John and Anna (Marhefka) Korber. Preceded in death by husband of 69 years John (Jack) Dean, Jr., and brothers John and Edmund Korber. Survived by children Jack (Karen) Dean, Patrick (Kathleen) Dean, Roy (Suzanne) Dean, Diane (Jim) Popp, Bonnie (Jeff Hendricksen) Dean, and grandchildren Ryan (Michelle) Dean, Kevin (Ashley) Dean, Erin (Juris) Cooper, Kathleen (David Gonzalez) Dean, Paul (Camille) Dean, Colleen (Paul) Kirtland, Maureen Dean, Gina Perrotto, Cameron Perrotto, and 8 Great-Grandchildren as well as sisters Jacqueline Roman and Suzanne (Jim) Gindlesperger, sister-in-law Lillian Korber and many nieces and nephews.

At the age of 5, Virginia began her dance career at The Gene Kelly Studio of the Dance in Johnstown, PA taking tap lessons from Gene himself then tap, ballet and acrobats from Fred and Louise Kelly. The young Virginia and her brother Edmund performed together many times in both Johnstown and Pittsburgh and the love of dancing remained with Virginia throughout her life.

Virginia was a graduate of Johnstown High School (class of 1950) earning many honors in typing and shorthand. After graduation, she worked at the Wilson Slick Agency handling a variety of administrative duties. In 1952, Virginia met her future husband and life partner at a dance and never looked back. Jack and Virginia were married in Bon Air, PA on February 19, 1955. Along came five children and a house outside of Ebensburg, built on Dean family property (“the farm”). Jack and Virginia joined St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mundy’s Corner where they both took many leadership positions including serving on the Church Council, as well as singing in the choir. Virginia was a devoted knitter, crocheter, and a beautiful seamstress sewing all her own clothes as well as outfits for her kids and later outfits for her 9 grandkids. She was a wonderful cook who also enjoyed baking, and her infamous Gobs were often fought over among her family members. Virginia was an avid reader covering a wide array of genres from fiction, biographies and historical works.

Virginia was always ready for any adventure, planning many outings and get-togethers with their friends, and she and Jack loved traveling and camping with their trailer. In 2014, at the age of 81, Virginia along with her son Roy and daughter-in-law Suzanne, took a trip of a lifetime to visit the land of her father’s birth, Slovenia and then Croatia. Jack and Virginia spent their winter months in Sebring FL making many friends in their community of Whisper Lake Park. In 2005, they moved to Granville, OH and became members of the First Presbyterian Church. Virginia and Jack were both beloved at Otterbein Senior Living where friendships were formed and comfort and care was provided by a loving care team.

Virginia had a deep faith in God, was a wonderful mom, adored her grandkids and great-grandbabies, was funny, sweet, and thoughtful of others. She was intelligent and introspective and so enjoyed taking pen to paper. Her wonderfully long letters were sent filled with coupons and newspaper clippings chosen specifically for the letter receiver. She has filled multiple journals of her thoughts, memories and travels.

Virginia cherished her husband Jack and the two of them together created a beautiful life filled with laughter, adventure, love, respect for all and family. She was a role model of how to enjoy and appreciate life to its fullest! She will be dearly missed by her 5 children and all whose lives she has touched.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Virginia’s name to Hospice of Central Ohio 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Virginia and her family. Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.