Shirley Marie Dean

Shirley Dean passed away in her home on Monday, July 18, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Family was everything to Shirley. In the earlier part of her life, Shirley grew up with her brothers David Clifford, who teased her like brothers do, and Barry Wheaton who she looked up to, as well as her loving, hardworking mother Eleanor Clifford (deceased). She met her future husband, John Joseph Dean (deceased), at St. Pat’s High School, and soon after, they started their own family together.

Over a 13-year timespan Shirley and John had five daughters - Kelly, Jackie, Cherie, Julie, and Johanna (deceased) – and Shirley committed herself to being a loving mother in the home; caring for her children, helping to raise her grandson Christopher, and all the while running a home day-care. Her home was always a place to find a home-cooked meal, a comfortable bed to sleep in, and later, a glass of wine or two.

As her daughters grew, they brought others into the family, in the way of grandchildren and sons-in-law (and fur-babies). Kelly had three children, Christopher, Cailyn, and Kiera, and is married to Brian (Kennedy). Jackie was a fur-mom to her two cats, Freesia and Misty. Cherie married Michael (Leigh) and had two daughters, Elley and Jenney. Julie had twin daughters, Roxy and Rosy, with her partner Ricky (Arab). Johanna had her own fur-babies, Winnie who she shared with Julie, and Winston, and all the children she taught, before her passing in 2014. Shirley and John also added to the family with their own pets over the years, including Lady and Precious. And now the grandchildren are starting to add to the family, as Christopher brings his girlfriend Hannah (Wilson) into the fold.

Over the years, many people have spent time at Shirley’s and John’s house. Theirs was always the house for all the large, extended family gatherings, and so much more. From kids running around the yard, sleepovers in the basement, to teenagers having dances in the basement, and university students coming to Halifax for work exchanges; all have thought of Shirley’s house, in some shape, as home.

Shirley has had many names over the years – Mom, Nanny, Mom-Dean, Shirrrlll-eee, and Hun, and her job descriptions were almost as varied. She was a counselor to some, a neighbour to others, and a shoulder to cry on to even others. She was known for her smile, leaning the way she wanted the ball to go during a soccer game, her dedication to family, her smart dressing for Sunday church, and her love of campfires and Jim Croce songs.

She will be missed, but never forgotten, and always in our hearts. We love you always and forever, to the moon and back. We love you equal Mom … we love you infinity … plus one.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 23, from 2:00-4:00pm at JA Snow Funeral Home (339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax) and the Funeral will be at Saint Benedict Parish (45 Radcliffe Dr., Halifax) on Monday, July 25 at 12:15pm (for those who cannot attend in-person, the funeral will be livestreamed and the link is available by visiting: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com).