Lillian L. Dean, supported the arts
Lillian L. Dean, 81 of Wilmington, formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at her residence. One of six children, she was born in Enterprise, Pa., daughter of the late James and Pansy Litzinger Lindquist. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Richard T. Stephens.
Her formal career began as an art administrator for the public school system in Connellsville, Pa. Following her subsequent marriage of 57 years to the Rev. John W. Dean, she worked and supported the arts in many ways during her lifetime. Her career involved being an art teacher in the DuMont, N.J. School System as well as serving as executive director for the Sussex County Art Council for 10 years.
As a member of the Rehoboth Art League she had served as curator of the Homestead for several years. In 1976 she created a Gallery Exhibit at the Sussex Technical College encompassing the era of 1776. Also, in 1977 she created an art exhibit for the benefit of the Lewes Historical Society titled “Through the Artist’s Eye.”
However, the most important goal of her life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son John W. Dean II and wife Elisabeth of Milton, and daughter Elizabeth Dean Thompson and husband Michael of New Market, Md.; two brothers, James Lindquist of Oil City, Pa. and Arthur Lindquist and wife Jeanine of Erie, Pa.; three sisters, Lucille Stephens of Oil City, Judy Sandrock and husband Ronnie of Laurinburg, N.C., and Vicki Confer and husband Robert of Seneca, Pa.; and four grandchildren, John William Dean III, Christopher G. Dean, Micaela G. Thompson, and Cosette N. Thompson.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, at 1:30 p.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at noon. Burial will be private at Coolspring Cemetery, Lewes.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rehoboth Art League, 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Please visit Dean's Life Memorial Webpage and sign the online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Home, Lewes.
