Helen Dean

Helen Dean passed away peacefully at home on August 20th surrounded by family members and her dear friend and long-time caregiver Mary Slater, who read the 23rd Psalm.

Born January 26, 1929 in McAlester, Oklahoma during the depression. An only child, Helen and her mother lived with her grandfather. As her mother was one of 10 children, she grew up surrounded by cousins. She loved music, singing in church choir at First Presbyterian Church and later, when her mother remarried and they moved to Oklahoma City, she sang in the Classens High Schools Choir octet.

Her love of music influenced her college studies at The University of Oklahoma where she majored in voice - and met future husband, Robert. Married their senior year, music continued to be part of her life as Helen worked first at Jenkins Music Company while Robert attended med school and later taught second grade and music at Nichols Hills Elementary.
Robert’s residency moved them from Oklahoma City to New Orleans where two children were added to the family and Helen transitioned from full time teacher to full-time mother. They moved to Tulsa in the early 60’s where Robert joined his father’s medical practice and two more children followed Despite having four small children, Helen continued to be active in the Presbyterian Church and choir. In 1970 the family made their final move to Claremore where Helen was dedicated to the Presbyterian Church ladies group and choir, her beautiful soprano often featured in solo performances.
A devoted mother and wife, she was happily married for over 67 years to Robert, who preceded her in death by 18 months. Helen is survived by her four children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.