Joan L. Dean
1912-2011
Woodstock – It is with tremendous sadness that the Deans and Fekays announce the passing of the matriarch of our family, Joan Lawrence Dean. Joan Dean lived a very remarkable and a complete life; she was truly an extraordinary and inspirational lady. The most important part of Joan’s life was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, (& even great, great grandchildren!) she dedicated and devoted her entire life to the family. Joan Dean fought and conquered breast cancer at the age of 95. Unfortunately she finally lost the battle with pancreatic cancer, after putting up an epic fight, and then she passed away at age 98 in Woodstock, CT in her home, on January 29, 2011. Joan was courageous and she had an incredible will to live; and if pancreatic cancer did not overtake her, she would have become an honorary member of the centurion club, without a doubt.
Joan Lawrence Dean was born September 6 1912, in Michigan City, ID; she was the last of four children born to Milham and Hessin (Saab) Jouney. Joan attended Pasadena City College in California. Joan Dean was a multilingual, world traveler, family orientated entertainer, and a gourmet chef. Joan created a family owned and operated bed and breakfast, that she named Thornfield Hall in Thompson, CT. The renowned racecar drivers that competed at Thompson Speedway, as well as many famous and international people, stayed at Thornfield Hall and enjoyed her gourmet cooking.
Joan Dean had eight children with her first husband David Fekay and they resided in Upper Darby Pennsylvania. Joan’s second marriage to Benjamin Palmer Dean produced four additional children in Pasadena, CA and Thompson, CT. Joan Dean’s surviving children in birth order are: Lillian Fekay Stephens, David Fekay, Mimi Fekay, Dennis Fekay, Jeffrey Fekay, Lila Fekay, Richard Dean, Philip Dean, Penelope Dean, and Ronald Dean. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren living throughout the world. Joan was predeceased by her children, Benjamin Dean and Sue Fekay; her brothers, Hamed Jouney and Charles Jouney; and her sister Mariam Jouney.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joan’s family from 4:00 to 7:00pm, on Tuesday February 1, 2011 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin at 9:00am on Wednesday February 2, 2011 in the funeral home, followed by a procession to Woodstock Hill Cemetery at 10:30 am. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com. Donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Day Kimball Homemakers or to Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut, PO Box 632., Putnam, CT 06260.
The Toplosky Family
Dearest Phil and Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sadness for your family. Your mother was cared for in a wonderful way by you and your family during her time of illness, and we are sure that this care made her passing a less painful process.
Our sympathies
Maria, Norman, Sean, Seth and Loren
Elaine and Brunson Dodge
Dear Ron, Linda, Katie, and Lizzie,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. She was a great lady; not many of those left…
Love to you all,
Elaine and Brunson
Jennah Cutting
Part of knowing who you are is knowing where you come from. Although I never knew Grandma Rose personally, she was always a part of my growing up. I thank God for her long life and the opportunity to read about some of that life now. I will keep the family in my prayers with thoughts of love and remembrance.
Rick Doc Denomme
Dear Phil and Family,
When I helped your mom with transportation to UMASS for her treatments several years ago she shared with me how proud and how much she loved her family.
I will always remember the time of sharing during the drive to and from UMASS including the stop at MacDonalds for a cheeseburger and fries on the return trip.
For me, it was a rewarding experience to have had the opportunity to help your mom and the family. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Rick Doc Denomme
Tom and Stacey Hodits
Our deep and sincere sympathy for your loss. Joan was a regal, gracious, and kind woman who touched our lives in many ways. Her love of family and life were (and continue to be) and inspiration for those who knew her.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hodits Family
Tom, Stacey, Joe, and Paul
Amit Patel
To Phil and family,
My condolences to you and your family in this tough time.
Amit