Obituary of Donna Marie Dean

Our family is sad to announce the passing of Donna Marie Dean (nee Sterritt), 76 years old, of Strathroy, on Tuesday, March 12^th, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, where she exuded a positive and hopeful outlook daily.  She felt the outreached arms of her parents, Robert & Melinda Sterritt, along with her brothers Gerald and Kenny, waiting for her in heaven in her final days.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, David Dean, of 51 years; her children Dennis (Barb) of Strathroy, Ontario, Denise (Adrian) Walsh of Beeton, Ontario; and five grandchildren whom she was incredibly proud of, Landon, Griffin & Nate Dean, Olivia & Grey Walsh. Also survived by two sisters, Dorothy (Henry) Fudger of Palmerston, Ontario, and Jane (Gary) Williamson of Harriston, Ontario. She had a special bond with her nieces Cheryl Martens, Suzanne Kleiman, Nancy Fudger, Jeanette Williamson, and her nephew Michael Williamson.  She also leaves behind a wonderful brother-in-law, Albert Dean and honorary sister, Kathy Leisti.

Donna grew up in a loving and musical home with her family in Acton, Ontario. Her love of music blossomed when her grandmother came to live with them, forever changing her outlook as music became an integral part of her life. Her childhood days were spent with neighbourhood kids playing baseball, running around with friends, and enjoying family reunions and get-togethers.  

In 1967, Donna completed her teaching degree and began a long teaching career in the primary grades while balancing being a wife & mother. Many of those years were spent affectionately known as the ukulele lady at Adjala Central in Hockley Valley near her home of 42 years in Loretto, Ontario. Donna also taught English as a second language in the summers, meeting students worldwide. With the support of her husband, David, she completed her Music degree at York University in 2000. It was a proud moment as she did this as a part-time student and full-time teacher for over 10 years. A labour of love and dedication. Besides music, Donna cherished beach days at Wasaga Beach, travelling, family reunions, card games, going to dances with lifelong friends Linda & Murray Shaw, baking with her grandchildren and chatting on the phone!  In the last two years, after moving to Strathroy, she had built a social network of loving friends in her apartment at Collins Place; the gatherings, fellowship, bingo, singalongs, swims, and love made her smile daily. 

Above all, Donna cherished her family. She relished spending time with David, Dennis, Denise, and her grandchildren.  

The family of Donna Dean would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the teams of medical professionals we worked with over the last year. Southwest Medical Clinic - Dr. Taylor & Heidi Lalich, Para-med team members:  superhero home-care nurse Stephanie, Phil Daniels, Heidi Bakker, Dr. Parr. London Regional Cancer Clinic: Dr. D’Souza and the radiation team, Dr. Welch, Dr. Southcott from her chemotherapy team. The loving nurses, Carly, Fiona & Hope at London Hospice, along with the staff at Strathroy General Hospital CT Suite, Imaging and Emergency departments, for their outstanding care.

Visitation will take place at DENNING'S OF STRATHROY on Monday March 18th at 12:00p.m. until the Celebration of Life starting at 1:00p.m. Luncheon to follow for fellowship and refreshment. All are welcome.

Memorial donations can be made if so inclined to the Strathroy General Hospital Foundation - MRI Machine, Community over Cancer - Strathroy Hospice, or to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London.