Obituary of Harriet Dean

Harriet D. (Hill) Dean, 88, of Niles passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. She was born on March 5, 1928 in Battle Creek, Michigan to the late Ray and Myrtle (Culp) Hill. After graduation she married James F. Dean on January 21, 1947 in Jackson, Michigan. Harriet worked for many years at Brandywine High School in Food Service and later volunteering for over 15 years in the Brandywine Elementary library. She was known for being fiercely independent, but also incredibly compassionate when it came to caring for others. She enjoyed working with young people and spending time with family and friends. Harriet was known, loved and respected as "Granny Dean" to everyone, Brandywine graduates, current students, staff and friends. She is preceded by her parents, Ray and Myrtle (Culp) Hill, brothers Earl (Nana) Hill Parma, Dale (Ester) Hill Arizona, Robert (Norma) Hill of Jackson, Lyle (Ella) Hill of Athens and sister Phyllis (Doug) Culpepper of Parma. Harriet's surviving siblings are Sally Crabill of Teksonsha and Fred Hill of Jackson and sister-in-law Ella Hill of Athens. Harriet is survived by her children, Rebecca (Dan) Woods of Niles and Timothy (Trudy) Dean of Sandston, Virginia. She will also be missed by her four grandchildren; Kyle Smith of Niles, Kalen (Carla) Smith of Niles, Jacob (Jamie) Dean, Andrew (Callie) Dean and Jeri Dean of Clermont, Florida. She will also be remembered by her great grandchildren; Skyler Zimmerle of Niles, Gabe Smith of Niles and Jordan Dean of Florida. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Harriet may do so to Brandywine Elementary School Library at 1830 S. Third Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Photos, memories, or condolences may be left for Harriet's family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNile.com or Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHome. Harriet's family will gather at Brown Funeral Home for a private memorial service.