Frances R. Dean, 78, of Palmer Township, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 in Arden Courts, Old Orchard. Born June 13, 1944 in Lexington, KY, she was the daughter of the late George J. and Louise (Thompson) Reynolds. She and her husband, Joel Dean, were married 55 years. She graduated from Lafayette High School, Lexington Kentucky in 1962. She went on to study elementary education at Eastern Kentucky University and graduated in 1966. It was there that she met her husband, Joel Dean. They married in July of 1967 and moved to Pennsylvania where she started her teaching career in the Council Rock School District, Bucks County. The family grew to four with the birth of two boys, Scott and Chris. She started playing tennis when they moved to New Orleans in 1975 and she greatly enjoyed raising her family. The family moved back to Pennsylvania in 1980, living in Easton, where she re-entered teaching at Palmer and Tracy Elementary Schools. She retired in 2001. She continued to be active with her family and friends and enjoyed annual trips to Florida during the winter as well as many trips to visit with friends and family. She played competitive USTA tennis for many years and went to districts many times and nationals in Arizona with her team. She was a long-time member of Northwood Racquet and Fitness Club. She was a volunteer for various organizations, such as Meals on Wheels and URW Club and was a member of the Allentown Area Corvette Club. Frances was a devout Presbyterian and a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Easton.
Surviving with her husband, Joel, are two sons, Scott Dean and his wife, Lisa, and Chris Dean and his wife, Meredith; a brother, Robert Reynolds and his wife, Martha; seven grandchildren, Kim, Jeremy, Jacob, Justin, Drew, Jack, and Quinn; and a great grandson, Dash. A grandson, Josh, and a great granddaughter, Daejah, passed away earlier.
Services will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, February 17, 2023 in First Presbyterian Church of Easton. A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 pm on Friday in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Easton, 333 Spring Garden St., Easton PA 18042 or the Chris Kicking Butt GoFundMe account, https://www.gofundme.com/f/chris-kicking-butt. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Chris Dean
February 11, 2023 at 3:43 pm
With great sadness, I’m sorry to share the news that my mother, Frances Reynolds Dean passed away yesterday.
She was an elementary school teacher for many years in Easton Area School District at Palmer Elementary School but mostly 4th grade at Tracy Elementary School (she said 4th grade was her favorite). She was also an avid tennis player and devoted member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Easton.
She volunteered her time with causes like Meals on Wheels and others to help those who may need a helping hand. She loved traveling, exploring and learning (and traveling with friends around tennis!). As an educator, she reminded us that ‘you should learn something new every day.’
Her most important role (to me) was that of a mother, grandmother, nurturer and role model. She delighted with visits and interactions with her grandchildren. She was my biggest supporter & was always there in times of need.
The last several years she developed a darkening case of dementia which we believe led to Alzheimer’s.
More details to follow on a memorial service.
Chris Dean
Valerie Ferguson
February 13, 2023 at 5:44 pm
My dear friend Fran, So many of us who knew you in different facets of your life will miss you, We will miss your laughter, your southern accent, your kindness, your compassion, your willing to help others and your love of your husband Joel and your family. Rest in peace Fran. Until we meet again.
With love & friendship,
Valerie
Denise Iervolino
February 13, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Fran, you will be greatly missed by so many as you touched many with your kindness and great smile. You were always quick with the hugs and kisses.. A great person gone too soon.
Rest in peace Fran.
Love Denise
.
Bud & Karin Benton
February 14, 2023 at 7:22 am
Joel,
Hearing about Fran’s passing was a terrible shock to both Karin and me. We have not been able to see all our friends very frequently since we moved but you have always been in our thoughts and prayers. Fran was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Karin & Bud
Laura Hegyi
February 14, 2023 at 7:40 am
Dear Fran, I know you are with our Lord in peace, and I will see you again one day in Heaven. I cherish the friendship we had and always enjoyed being in your presence. I loved how excited you were to always get together with others. I am sure when I look up into the heavens, I will see those beautiful bracelets you always loved to wear glistening in the skies above. Much love, Laura
Peri and Bill Hutchinson
February 14, 2023 at 11:04 am
Fran was just loved. We spent many weeks with her and Joel in Hilton Head and OuterBanks..weeks were we played tennis until we collapsed and laughed until we hurt. She was Peri ‘s partner at Nationals, loved our weekly contracts at NRC and USTA team play. We also played in a mixed doubles night with them were we made “forever” friends. Fran always talked family, grandkids, friends, books and her church. Her love and devotion of Joel was remarkable. God made her so good. We were blessed to have known her. Rest in peace, Fran. Love to you Joel, Peri and Bill Hutchinson
Art & Margie Edinger
February 14, 2023 at 11:08 am
Joel and family,
We were very sad to hear of Fran’s passing. She will be deeply missed along with her concern for others. We will miss seeing her at the AACC events with a smile on her face. Deepest sympathies to you and your whole extended family,
Bev Kark
February 14, 2023 at 11:18 am
Dear Joel and family,
We are saddened to read Fran passed. She was always a pleasure talking with and enjoyed seeing her friendly smile.
With deepest sympathy to all of you,
Bev & Royce Kark
AACC
Bob Levers
February 14, 2023 at 12:54 pm
Joel, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Nancy Jessee
February 14, 2023 at 3:05 pm
Dear Joel,
So sorry to hear of Fran’s passing.
She is now at peace with our Lord.
I will keep you and your family in our prayers
Nancy Jessee
Jessica Triplett
February 14, 2023 at 6:50 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. April loved her dearly. She always talked so fondly of her. My heart goes out to Joel, Chris, Drew, Meredith and the rest of the family. May God hold you close.
John Fisher
February 14, 2023 at 7:17 pm
My condolences to Joel and family. I had they opportunity to play pickleball with and against Fran on a few occasions. It was always a good time. She will be missed by her pickleball friends.
Barb & Dave Parsons
February 14, 2023 at 11:40 pm
Dear Joel and family,
We wish to express our sincere condolences in the passing of Fran. She had a smiling, pleasant personality that everyone enjoyed. She will be missed.
Barb & Dave Parsons
AACC
Lisa Ott
February 15, 2023 at 4:29 am
Joel,
I am so sorry for your loss! My husband, Dave, and I always enjoyed our time spent together with the two of you through the Corvette Club! I am thinking of you and your entire family! My sincerest condolences to all.
Joseph Dolak
February 15, 2023 at 11:33 am
I had the privilege of working with Fran at Tracy Elementary School. She was always a first class lady and highly professional. Her teaching career touched many people and left a lasting impression on those who met her. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family at this difficult time.
Mary B
February 15, 2023 at 12:37 pm
Mrs Dean, you were my favorite 4th grade teacher at Tracy Elementary in 1984. I have very fond memories of you celebrating mardi gras with us. You would make cupcakes and place a special prize in one of them. I was the lucky one! I remember seeing you years later and sharing my love of tennis with you. You have inspired so many! You will be greatly missed.
Dave & Nancy Monaghan
February 15, 2023 at 4:42 pm
Joel, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. I know it was a tough journey and now she is at peace. Take care of yourself.
Dave & Nancy
David and Maria Cannillo
February 15, 2023 at 6:36 pm
Dear Joel, thinking of you. We are very sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences and sympathy go out to you and your family. We loved Fran’s great, fun personality and sense of humor. She was wonderful to talk to. She will be missed so much . May she rest in peace. Don’t hesitate to call us if there’s anything we can do to help.
with warm thoughts and prayers.
Bob Peloquin
February 16, 2023 at 7:47 am
To Scott and Family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother.
May she Rest in Peace at the side of our Lord Jesus.
Enjoy all of the beautiful memories that we are sure you shared with her.
God bless you all.
Bob and Renee Peloquin
Barbara and Dave Fredericks
February 17, 2023 at 5:02 pm
Dear Joel and Family,
We are very sorry for the loss of your dear wife, Fran. Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family. May all the wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Barbara and Dave Fredericks
AACC
Don & Diane Lambert
February 18, 2023 at 3:31 pm
Joel,
We were so sorry to hear of Frans passing. We will never forget the wonderful times we shared together in Hilton Head. She was a great friend and a even greater person. Our love and sympathy to you Joel and your family.
Diana Phillips
February 20, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Dear Joel, Chris,Scott and your families,
I am so saddened and the world is a bit dimmer missing Fran’s sweet smile and bubbly laugh. I never think of our life in Metairie without remembering your family across the street.
Sending you sincere condolences and hope for healing. May your good memories of Fran comfort you.
Scott and Jeanette Marakovits
March 4, 2023 at 6:16 pm
Dear Joel. Fran was a beautiful soul. She was always so friendly sweet and thoughtful. Always made everyone feel warm and comfortable. She will always smile upon you and your family and hope nothing but the best for you I. This time of both sorrow. Cherish the memories forever. God bless you and always know we are here to support you. ❤️❤️