Patricia Dean Obituary

PATRICIA DEAN Patricia Dean, 72, "this Chicago Lady," as she called herself, and a rabid Cubs baseball fan, died of cancer November 17 in her Santa Fe home. The distinguished retired college professor and award-winning former Chicago broadcast journalist moved to Santa Fe in 2012. Survivors include her nephew Anthony Dean, sister-in-law Debbie Dean of Chicago, and many cousins. Her brother Bill, and parents William H. and Muriel Dean of Chicago predecease her. Pat embraced her retirement in Santa Fe with gusto. She became a docent at the Santa Fe Opera, was active in the Newcomer's Club where she met her golf buddies, helped Renesan with its life-long learning programs, joined book clubs and many lunch groups, and cherished her involvement with the United Church of Santa Fe. Her Chicago TV News career included producing jobs at WBBM, WMAQ and WLS. She won prestigious awards for her investigative and consumer reporting. Pat joined the faculty of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Evanston, Illinois, in 1987 and stayed until 2003, serving five years as broadcast sequence director. She then became associate director and professor of professional practice at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in Los Angeles until 2011. In 2006 her alma mater, Iowa State University, gave her the Schwartz Award, the university's highest honor for distinguished service to journalism and mass communication. Pat earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Iowa State, after starting out as a home economics major, and a Master's degree in communication from Northwestern University. Known as a "shark on the tennis court," Pat had been a formidable singer in the gospel choir at the First United Methodist Church in Evanston, and the most loyal friend a person could have. She will be remembered for her dedication to family, friends, students, and fellow faculty. Pat will be deeply missed for her strong spirit, deep faith and positive attitude. A memorial honoring her life will take place December 12 at 10:30a.m. at the United Church of Santa Fe, 1804 Arroyo Chamiso (corner of St. Michael's Drive) with the Rev. Talitha Arnold presiding. Phone number is 505-988-3295. Donations in Pat's memory may be made to Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity or United Church of Santa Fe.

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Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Dean

12 Entries

April 16, 2019

I also mourn the loss of Pat Dean. She was a wonderful and caring friend. The world is a lesser place without her.

Paula Harris (a Chicago neighbor and friend)

Ed Kaleta

March 19, 2019

My deepest sympathies to Pat's family and close friends. May the coming days bring you healing and comfort.

We first met as members of the Snowhawks Ski Club in Chicago where she served on the board of directors. We skied together and learned to overcome our fear of steep icy slopes in Canada.

I have never met a nicer person. She will be remembered.

Susan (Coleman) Hickey

December 31, 2018

Just happened to look up Pat's name to see she had died last month. I worked with her at WMAQ in the early 70's as the News Art Director. Floyd Kalber was very difficult to work with and I give Pat a lot of credit for being able to stay cool and collected. Floyd hand picked me and the other artists to work on the 10 pm show and it was an exciting time with the Watergate drama. I was happy to see she taught as she had a lot to share!

Jessica Kaplan

December 4, 2018

I was so sad to learn of Pat's passing. She was my beloved broadcast journalism professor/dean while I attended Northwestern University from 1990-1994. She was always so kind and caring, while teaching us the toughness required to get the job done well. We stayed in touch after I graduated, and I was always pleased to see her Facebook posts, indicating how happy she was in Santa Fe. Sending much love to her friends and family members; may her memory be a blessing to us all.

Judy Muller

December 4, 2018

Pat and I were both hired at the same time by USC Annenberg, and we were close friends for all those years we worked together there. She was the most nurturing, capable administrator we had, and an outstanding journalist who inspired more students than I can count. A few years ago, some of us traveled to Santa Fe to visit Pat. She knew her illness was not curable, but she lived every single second of those last years with gusto and good cheer. Amazing woman, amazing friend, amazing example for all of us. I miss yer.
Judy Muller

Bob, Pat, Anthony, Debbie

Debbie Dean

December 4, 2018

I'm sharing a picture of Pat at Anthony's high school graduation in June, 2014.

Debbie And Anthony Dean

December 3, 2018

Rest in peace dear sister-in-law and aunt.

Bill, Pat, Anthony, Bob Saari (Debbie Dean's brother)

Debbie Dean

December 3, 2018

Our hearts are heavy with sadness. Pat was my sister-in-law and Anthony's aunt. Missing our long conversations. Rest in peace, Pat. You are with your loving parents and your brother Bill.

Sharon Kornely

December 2, 2018

Pat Dean always cared about her students. She treated them as professionals and gave them expert career advice. She also treated her colleagues with respect and affection. That sweet smile helped deliver strength and passion.

Carol Ingells Robert Spitz

December 2, 2018

Pat was a special part of United Church, so kind and brave and caring. We miss her so much!

December 1, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. As you remember your love one, may your treasured memories and Almighty God comfort your broken hearts. (Psalm 147:3)

J F

November 30, 2018

Ive heard of the loss of your loved one.Gods true thoughts are of peace for us,not pain.May reflection on his goodness comfort you.

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