Obituary of Theresa Dean

1952 - 2012

Theresa "Terry" Dean was peacefully given over to the spirit in the sky on Monday, March 19th, 2012 at the age of 60. Many of her family members were able to gather at the hospital and send her off to a soundtrack of her favourite rock and roll songs: "Knock Knock Knockin' on Heaven's Door," "Stairway to Heaven," "We're Here for a Good Time," and of course, "Spirit in the Sky."

Terry was born on February 25, 1952 in Lethbridge, Alberta and was raised in Kimberley, B.C. In 1972, she moved to Nelson, B.C., to study nursing. Being a nurse was Terry's life-long dream: she said she always knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping people, and for her, nursing was "like a dream come true." She nursed in several communities in British Columbia during her 23 year career and was recognized by co-workers and patients for her positive attitude and compassionate nature. Aside from nursing, Terry enriched the lives of others as a devoted mother, wife, and friend. She was one of the best cooks this world has ever seen and enjoyed hosting dinner parties with family and friends. For the past 22 years, Terry lived in Cranbrook, BC with her husband of 39 years and her two children. Every summer Terry could be found camping for weeks at a time either at Robinson Lake, Horseshoe, or in the West Kootenays. She would sit in a lawn chair with her face turned to the sun and say things like "this is the life." Terry also loved to spend time with her immediate and extended family, hang out with her enormous circle of friends at the Legion, go shopping in the States, have epic phone conversations with friends and family, and go cruising with her husband in "The Judge".

Terry was famous for her wicked sense of humour and her amazing laugh that was something between a cackle and a giggle. She also had a strong talent for bringing people together. Terry is survived by her loving husband and best friend Clinton Dean, her mother Margaret Sanche, her children Phillip and Leesa Dean, her sisters Arlene Taylor and Lianne Sanche, her brother Tim Sanche, and the many other relatives she had close relationships with. She is predeceased by her father Phil Sanche and brother-in-law Jim Thorougood. Terry will be sorely missed by friends and family, but she was also a tough cookie and would have no patience for prolonged, devastated mourning. She would rather be remembered for the lively soul that she was. Terry was here for a good time, not a long time, and she will live on in the hearts and minds of many people. There will be a celebration of her life held at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook, BC on Friday, March 23rd at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com