LACONIA – Jeraldine Patricia Dean, 77, passed away at Lakes Region General Hospital on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, due to complications from treatments for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Jerri was born in New London, N.H., on March 5, 1935 to Helen (Bell) and Gordon Davis. She grew up in North Sutton, N.H., graduating from New London High School as salutatorian of her class. Jerri attended Colby Sawyer College and Plymouth State Teachers College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
Jerri began raising her family with former husband Arthur A. Dean in 1958, settling in Laconia in 1966. During her 33-year teaching career, she taught at both Mechanic Street School and Woodland Heights Elementary School.
Jerri believed strongly in community service. Her activities included serving on the Laconia Education Association, cooking for the Salvation Army, serving as a board member for the Taylor Home, and doing hospice work. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church.
Jerri enjoyed gardening, walking, swimming, reading, and journaling. But she was happiest when surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren. She delighted in making her swimming pool a special gathering spot for her family. Jerri also loved her dinner and movie nights with friends. She was a lifelong lover of animals, caring for every stray cat that came her way!
Family members include: her son, Timothy S. Dean, and his wife, Michelle, of Laconia; her daughter, Cheryl A. Angus, of Laconia; her son, James M. Dean, and Nancy DePasquale of Beverly, M.A.; her son, John K. Dean, and his wife, Karen, of Gilmanton, N.H.; grandchildren, Hayley Angus, of Campton, N.H., Evan Dean of Chattam, M.A., Olivia, Aidan and Victoria Dean of Laconia, Lauren and Caroline Dean of Gilmanton; great grandson, Maxx Angus, of Campton; her brother, Fred Davis, and his wife, Terry, of Springfield, N.H.; her sister, Nancy Nichols, and her husband, Richard, of Croydon, N.H and her late brother, John Davis, and his wife, Sandy, of Warner, N.H.
A celebration of Jerri’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 18 Wesley Way, Gilford, N.H., on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerri’s memory may be made to the N.H. Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, N.H. 03247 or to Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 N. Main St., Laconia, N.H. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.