Emily "Dean" (Snyder) Moreno

Emily Erdean (Dean) Moreno, formerly of Miami, AZ passed away at her home in Sun City, AZ on March 6, 2021. She was born on August 16, 1943 in Miami, AZ and was the youngest daughter of John and EmaLee (Tiny) Snyder. She is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest sister, Barbara Harmon, and her daughter, Betti Ann Dykes. She is also preceded in death by her husband(s) Ray Espinoza, formerly of Redlands, CA, and Michael Moreno, formerly of Phoenix, AZ.

She is survived by her children, Robin McDonald (husband, Paul) of Mckinney, TX, Cynthia Atilano, of Antioch, CA, Patricia Barcon of Mesa, AZ, John Michael of Sacramento, CA and Michael Moreno (wife, Lori) of Sun City, AZ. She also leaves behind her sister Patricia Trujillo, of Mesa, AZ, her brother in law Fito Trujillo and her cherished grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their extended families.

Dean grew up in Miami, AZ and spent her early years enjoying her mom’s home cooked meals and playing outside in the tailings with her sisters. Upon graduating from Miami High School in 1963, she worked a variety of jobs including the drugstore, a clerk at the Builder’s Supply in Globe, and as a phone operator for AT&T. She always enjoyed being around the energy of kids and she spent many years as an administrative secretary at Miami High School, serving under various principals, vice-principals and athletic directors. In 1990 she made the move to Phoenix and continued working in various executive secretary roles within the Madison School District, until her retirement in 2002. She was able to continue making memories with her family spending many a holiday cooking and enjoying yummy Mexican food. Her passions included watching granddaughters Samantha and Hannah play club volleyball and beaming with pride to watch her son, Michael, coach his girls. She was so proud when Cindy made the move back to San Francisco and bought her house. She also celebrated the fact that her granddaughters Brittinee and Crystal were pursuing nursing careers. She was proud of grandson Ryan’s successful career as a UPS driver and would always be glad to hear about his day. She was happy to listen to grandson Dylan’s musical talents and enjoyed listening to him play the guitar and harmonica.

She was always one to be on the go and hated to be left out of any adventure. She enjoyed spending time with her youngest daughter Patti going to movies, out to dinner, visiting the Trujillo's, laughing, watching favorite movies at home together, singing and enjoying life. She loved when Patti took her to the casino or traveling with her children up to Globe. She took several memorable trips with the family including an Alaskan cruise with Robin, and a trip to Mexico to see Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. She also went to see Jimmy Buffet in concert - she really loved it. She loved all genres of music, ranging from AC-DC to Trans-Siberian Orchestra. She had the most energetic, joyous spirit and truly had an enthusiasm for new experiences, and an ability to make each person around her feel like the most important person in her world. Besides her love for her human family, Dean adored her little Maltese, Chicka, as well as being a doting Nonnie to the various fur babies in her life.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday March 27, 2021 at 11:00 at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N. 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301. Services will be live streamed on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.

A private cremation will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in her name to the Arizona Humane Society.