NEW BEDFORD -- Grace Clara (Lowe) Dean, age 88 years, of New Bedford, died Thursday November 30, 2006 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. She was the former wife of Lawrence Dean.
Born and raised in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Grace (Taber) Lowe and lived in this community all of her life.
She is survived by her daughter Laurie Bettencourt and her companion Paul Vieira, her granddaughter Kayla Bettencourt, several cousins and close friends. She was the dear friend of the late Marion Ricketson.
A graduate of New Bedford High School with honors in 1936, she also graduated from the Kinyon-Campbell Business School. Mrs. Dean played violin for many years and was a member of the high school orchestra. A Rainbow Girl, she and many friends attended USO dances during World War II to support servicemen.
In her earlier years, she was employed at the former C.F. Wing Department Store, Mass. Employment Office and the City of New Bedford City Clerk's Office. She retired in 1957 to become a homemaker and devoted mother. An active member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ, she served on the sunshine and cradleroll committees, was a member of the Church Women United, had been a member of the former North Christian Church, was a volunteer with St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary and the YWCA Next-To-New-Shop. In addition to reading, her hobbies were bird watching, collecting pigs, and listening to opera.
Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, December 9th at 11 A.M. in Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Remembrances may be made in her name to the Heifer Project, International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203 or Muscular Dystrophy, 810 7th Ave., N.Y., NY 10019.
Arrangements with The Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford