Dorothy "Kate" Katherine Dean

Dorothy Katherine “Kate” Dean, 95 passed away peacefully in her home on December 26, 2023. Born on January 21, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois to Frances Rose (née Jiracek) and Leonard Emanuel Over (Chicago Firefighter). Kate was predeceased by her two older brothers, Raymond Over and Robert Over. She was married in 1956, for 66 years to her beloved spouse Robert john Dean (deceased). She is survived by three daughters, Marinell Katherine Chable (James), Ann Lee Dean-Vautrin, and Katherine Frances Dean along with two granddaughters, Brittany Katherine Vautrin Bennett (Chad), Tiffany Frances Vautrin Mikkelsen (Chase) and 2 great grandchildren, Reece Charlie Bennett, and Creek Renee Mikkelsen.

Kate loved her family, friends, and her life in Tampa. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and for several years, volunteered at Christ the King. She was a member of Town & Gown, Friends of the Library of USF, The Guilders, Friends of Art, Patron of the Arts for the Tampa Bay Museum, and A Red Cross volunteer. She was also a long-time supporter and volunteer for the Heart Fund, serving as a block worker, chairman, and captain on the fundraising drive, and the 1970 chairman of Heart Fund Sunday.

Kate was the wind beneath our wings. Her love for her family, her strength, determination and supporting nature, will always be remembered, and cherished by those who knew her.

In parting, we would like to share the following philosophy, of unknown origin: “Life is precious. And every moment you have with a loved one is a gift. And those gifts are the memories you will have for your lifetime. Continue to re-open them and re-experience them every chance you get.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Matthew T. Bunch Foundation c/o The Tampa Firefighters Museum; 720 East Zack St., Tampa, FL 33602 (813)964-6862

Services for Kate will be held at Christ the King Church Chapel, February 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm