In Memory

Susan Dean

Susan Thorpe Dean passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Monday, August 12, 2019, in the presence of her family. She was born November 4, 1948, in Nashville, TN, to Frederick and Martha Thorpe, and raised in Birmingham, AL. Susan graduated from Vanderbilt University before obtaining her doctorate in computer science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham; her thirty-plus years as a professor included time at UAB, Samford University, and the University of Maryland Europe. In 1970, Susan married William R. Dean, with whom she raised two children, Logan (Laura) and Edward.

As an educator and as a mother, she imparted knowledge and showed by example how to lead a life of kindness, strength, generosity and good spirit. Susan had a particular love and talent for music, which she shared as a vocalist and a violinist in many settings throughout her life, including her time at All Saints’ Episcopal Church of Birmingham and St. Kilian’s church in Oftersheim, Germany.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her sister Florence Thorpe Eddins (Woody), her retirement partner John Meinke, her ex-husband William and their children, and her niece, nephew, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 10 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Church, 25 Benton Avenue, Walton, New York with Rev. Edward J. Golding officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Susan’s memory to the American Red Cross, 700 Caldwell Trace, Birmingham, AL 35242.


 

https://courtneyfh.com/tribute/details/1529/Susan-Dean/obituary.html#tribute-start



 
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01/06/20 06:21 AM #1    

Judy Plaisance

i am saddened to hear of Susan's passing. We were good freinds.I loved her greatly I have many memories of the two or I should say three of us(John) hanging out together in Germany.

.My condolences go out to her family and partner John. We are all going to miss her.  

Sincerely

Dr. Judy M. Plaisance

 


01/07/20 04:17 AM #2    

John Nolan

So sad to hear of  susan's passing- and too young at that. I treasure thinking back to the times hanging out in the smoking areas outside of Heidelberg HQ with Susan and John- always pleasant moments of the day- or meeting them on volksmarches in the area. She was always such a fine lady, in the best sense of the word. I especially remember General Chambers comments after I had urged him to interview her for the open Math director position. He feared she might be too "academic" for his tastes. But sure enough  Andy came back to me a couple days later delighted and said "Why she is just a good old girl from Alabama!"  Always a delight to talk to and spend a little time with. So very sad to hear she has gone. I know John will be shattered,  hope his deep fiath will see him through. 

 


01/26/20 02:04 PM #3    

Valerie Mock

I was very sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She was a valuable member of the MIS Graduate Programs faculty for several years allowing UMUC-grad programs to offer more courses in Cyber Security than ever before. Her professionalism and dedication to her students and dicipline were exemplary. Beyond that, she was also a delightful person to be around and a good friend. I enjoyed several dinners, volksmarches, and excursions with her and John. I am sure she is missed by both family and friends.


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