Grace E. Dean, of Amherst, New York, January 10, 2023. daughter of the late Joseph and Kathleen Dean; dear sister of Veronica (Shelby) Thacker, Joan Dean, Michael Dean, Christine Dean (Howard Turner), Rita (Timothy) McCarthy, Francine (John) McAndrew and the late Mary (Harry) Fitch; also survived by 11 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews, several aunts, cousins, friends and colleagues. Friends may call Sunday, January 15th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Rd, Williamsville, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday, January 16th, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main St., Buffalo, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Grace’s name may be made to St. Joseph Parish- Campus Ministry or the Univ. of Buffalo School of Nursing Scholarship Fund in memory of Grace Dean. Online condolences to www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com
Grace Dean, beloved sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, niece, colleague and friend, a Rochester, NY (Henrietta) native and professor of Nursing at the University of Buffalo, passed away on January 10, 2023. She was a kind, generous, fun, thoughtful and considerate person who knew how to listen, give sound advice, and was a social networker long before Facebook.
Always looking to be of service and help those in need, she joined the Henrietta Volunteer Ambulance in college and worked as a medic for three years.
Grace earned her RN at Monroe Community College in Rochester NY, her BSN at Alfred University, her MSN at California State University, and her PhD at UCLA. She worked in a variety of areas of nursing care in Rochester area hospitals, including Highland and Genesee, as well as in Los Angeles, but early on developed a passion for research. Having had numerous inspirational mentors during her career, she herself became a mentor to both students and colleagues.
Grace was deeply religious, a lifelong learner, and she lived a life of service, dedicating herself to easing the pain and suffering of cancer patients. Her legacy lives on in her students who will carry on her passion for continuous improvement in nursing care.
