Jean P. Dean

  Jean Phylis Dean, nee Salisbury age 92, passed away quietly at home on March 4^th, 2023 after a brief illness.  Jean is survived by three sons, Mark Jeffrey Dean (Kathleen), Paul Edward Dean, and James Allen Dean (Brittany), and by granddaughters Angela Marie Dean, Amber Louise Dean, grandsons Jacob John Dean (Jeanette Tran-Dean), Mitchell Dean, Joshua Paul Dean, Grant Rudolph Dean, and great grandson Jones Van Dean.  She is also survived by her beloved cat, Spooky II.  She was preceded in death by her late husband, Army Lt. Colonel Paul Richard Dean (Ret.).

  Jean attended Joliet Township High School, today called Joliet Central High School, where she graduated in 1948 as an “A” student.  She met and married Paul Dean while working as a civil servant at the Joliet Army Ammunition plant.  She traveled to and lived in France, Germany, Michigan, and Minnesota prior to settling back in Joliet where her life began. 

  After the passing of her husband she was proud to raise her three sons on her own while providing a living and caring for the house she lived in until her passing.

  She was an excellent student and loved to learn.  As an adult she returned to school earning a degree from Governors State University.  As it was during her early life she excelled in her studies.  She went on to gain a Real Estate brokers license and went to work in the real estate market during the 1980’s.  She retired during the 1990’s and went on to her third career, donating her time to help the underprivileged.  Jean worked in a pharmacy providing medications to the less fortunate and worked in a second-hand store whose profits benefited the community.

  Always strong in her faith, Jean gained membership in Judson Church in Joliet where she hosted bible study groups and grew deeper in her faith.  Her church family was very important to her.  She spoke highly and often about her involvement and affection for the worship and ministry groups there.  She made many friends at Judson over the years to go with world-wide friendships made during her military years.  Jean was a friend to many and was always looked upon with affection for her sense of humor and quick wit.  She will be mourned by many and missed by all.

  Funeral Services for Jean Phylis Dean will be held at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home on Thursday March 9, 2023 at 10:00 am.  Interment Oakwood Cemetery.   Visitation Wednesday from 4-8 p.m.