Neversink, NY

Elizabeth H. “Betty” Dean, resident of Neversink, NY passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2021 surrounded by her loving family; she was 91.

Betty was born at home in Woodbourne, NY in 1929 to the late Chester and Laura Gray Smith. She was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. Betty graduated from Fallsburg High School and attended Syracuse University. She married Franklin M. Dean and together they had four sons.

Betty worked her entire career for the telephone company, starting as switchboard operator for New York Telephone in South Fallsburg. She eventually became manager of The Phone Store in Monticello and retired as manager of the Verizon Construction Locker in Fallsburg.

Betty was a Cub Scout Den Mother for Troop 87 while her sons were Scouts. She was an avid golfer and bowler and attended numerous bowling tournaments throughout New York State. She also enjoyed water skiing and spending time with her family and friends at her camp on Swinging Bridge Lake in Mongaup Valley. She was a member of the Neversink Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Betty is survived by three sons: Douglas Dean and his companion, Wendy Dean of Neversink, NY, Michael Dean and his wife, JoAnn of Neversink, NY and Arden Dean and his wife, Meigan of Neversink, NY; she leaves behind eight grandchildren: Jessica Dean, Natalia Dean Kent and her husband, Chris, Joseph Dean, Collin Dean and his companion, Penny Robinson, Tristan Dean, Shane Dean, Dylan Dean and Bri Cole; as well as five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth Evans of Sun City, AZ and her brother, Gerald Smith and his wife, Kathleen of Manassas, VA, and her sister-in-law, May Smith of Woodbourne, NY, along with several nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Franklin M. Dean; an infant son, Richard; her granddaughter, Jessie Miceli-Dean; her brothers: Howard Smith, Gene Smith, Willis Smith, Sherman Smith and Bob Smith.

The family would like to thank Betty's aides, Louise and Tracy for their kind, devoted, loving care of our Mother.

There will be no visitation. A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. on May 16th at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery, Grahamsville, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.

Arrangements under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.