Obituary: Alice O'Neill Dean - Class of 1924

MADISON/ PEORIA, ARIZ. - Alice O'Neill Dean, age 99, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005, in Peoria, Ariz. She was born and raised on East Wilson Street, Madison, on Aug. 5, 1906, to Michael O'Neill and Margaret Foy O'Neill. She attended Madison High and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, ready to teach French to high school students. The admiring love of her life, Joseph Charles Dean, convinced her to marry and follow him to Philadelphia, Pa., where he finished medical training. She later admitted it was a smart turn. Alice and Joe moved back to Madison as Dr. Joe joined his father, Dr. Joseph Dean, as a surgeon at the Dean Clinic. Her children grew with love, direction and the added benefit of her dynamic personality, beauty, hard work and humor. Alice could shovel snow, mow lawns, garden, drive a car like a NASCAR racer, cook, sew, hug, dance, laugh, play bridge, golf, tell stories and be there for friends and family when needed. She raised their four rascals alone while Dr. Joe was saving and repairing sailors and marines in the Pacific. The love of her life left her Dec. 24, 1959, but before he died, she promised him to continue to be her positive, giving, forward-looking self. She succeeded: married and buried Ralph Immell, Rollie Barnum and spent many years with Charles McGinnis before his death, all interesting and wonderful gentlemen. Alice had been a longtime member of the Red Cross, the Attic Angel Association, Maple Bluff Country Club and the Sun City Country Club, Ariz., and a resident of Freedom Plaza in Peoria, Ariz. Alice is survived by her three sons, Joseph C. (Marian) Dean, Michael (Peggy) Dean and Timothy (Peggy) Dean; daughter, Diana Dean; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three humorous siblings, Ed O'Neill, Frank O'Neill and June (Sister Clarita) O'Neill. A family memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Not many people live and experience such a long and wonderful life, with devoted family and friends. She played golf and bridge, was an imaginative cook and delightful hostess until just recently. We are thankful to have shared in her remarkable life. We will always love her and cherish her memory.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 22, 2005

Note: Alice O'Neill Dean's class year is based on information in the 1924 Tychoberhan, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.