Dorothy Louise (Smith) Dean

Dorothy Louise Dean

1929-2016

Dorothy Dean, 87, of Boise, passed from this life to life everlasting in her home on Sunday, October 16, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 at Vertical Church, 2620 36th St., Boise. Burial will follow at 2 pm at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise. The family will greet loved ones and friends for a time of viewing and visitation at Vertical Church on Tuesday evening, Oct. 25, 2016 from 5 – 7 pm. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

Dorothy was born to Tom and Mabel Smith in Castleford, Idaho. She spent her growing up years in Buhl, Idaho. As a child, Dorothy took piano lessons and sang heartily as she blundered through her lessons. Soon her teacher advised her parents that their money would be better spent on voice lessons. Dorothy became an accomplished soloist, using her lovely soprano voice for the glory of God and blessing of many throughout her life. As a young lady, Dorothy not only attended school, participated in band, and sang in musicals, but also made cottage cheese and ice cream and drove a delivery truck for the family-owned business, Smith’s Dairy. Dorothy graduated from Buhl High School in 1947 and moved to Boise to study at St. Alphonsus School of Nursing. It was in Boise at First Baptist Church that she met the love of her life, Cecil Dean. They were married in 1948. Since it was in the era when only single ladies could attend the school of nursing, Dorothy put aside her studies to become a wife and mother. But her dream to become a nurse never died. After raising her family, she earned her RN and began working at Elk’s Rehab hospital in 1976. After her retirement from the Elk’s, she worked part time at St. Luke’s until she was 78. Dorothy was very involved in her church and community. She was an accomplished seamstress and taught many young ladies to sew. She was leader of the Pins and Needles 4H club for 22 years. She was one of the first DIY’ers — she and Cecil undertook several remodeling projects to expand the tiny house they bought in 1950 to accommodate their large family. She kept a home that people felt welcome to drop by anytime. She went out of her way to help others, and she had the rare ability to be both frugal and exceedingly generous. Dorothy loved her husband and 6 children. When Cecil retired they took many trips to visit their children, including several trips to Guatemala. When Cecil died, Dorothy missed him greatly but found many ways to continue a full life by being active in her Bible study group, Doll club, Elk’s arthritic pool, and quilting group. Her children say she was the best mother ever. She was a true Christian in her walk and talk.  She not only taught us how to live, but also how to die—with courage and unwavering faith in God.

She is survived by her six children: Linda Nelson ( Jay Haggerty) of Portland, , Louise Carey (Tim) of Boise, Lewis Dean (Willy) of Nampa, Lyle Dean (Shelley) of Meridian, Laura Crawford ( Ed) of Nampa, and Lucy Ross ( Ian) of Weiser, 14 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings Doris Anderson and Ormond Smith.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Boise Rescue Mission, PO Box 1494, Boise, ID 83701.

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