Lois Dean

Lois Dean, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA and formerly of Okemos, MI. Age 83. Mrs. Dean passed away at St. James’ Place, Baton Rouge, where she had lived for nine years, on October 10, 2024. 

 She moved to Louisiana following a vibrant five-decade career as a social worker, psychotherapist, and marital counselor in mid-Michigan. Her empathy, wisdom, phenomenal memory, skill with EMDR, and passion for helping others enabled countless clients to find peace and meaning in their lives.

 She was an exercise fanatic, a splendid cook, a seasoned traveler, a lover and booster of music, theater, and opera, and a devoted friend to many who will forever treasure memories of weekends “Up North” at the Dean Family cottage near Mackinaw City, MI. 

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Osmond Dean, and by Phil Saia, her high-school sweetheart and companion of her later years.

 She leaves behind her loving family: son Aaron (Megan) Sheehan-Dean, two grandchildren, Liam (Jackie), and Annie Sheehan-Dean; son Jonathan Dean of Seattle; and sister Ruth Edwards and nephew Jacob (Heather) Edwards of Las Vegas.

 The family wishes to express their gratitude to the residents and staff of St. James Place and the Hospice of Baton Rouge, especially Suzie, Crystal, Bertha, Althea, Alex, and Rasheka for their compassionate care in her last days.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Seattle Opera or the Little Traverse Conservancy.