Nancy Christine Dean

Nancy Christine Buerk Dean, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away in her sleep on March 3, 2025, she was 89 years old.

Chris (as she was known by friends and family) was born on June 4, 1935 to Harold and Elsie Buerk in Wyandotte, MI.  After graduating from Lincoln Park High School in 1953 she attended Michigan State University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. In 1955, while at Michigan State, she met her beloved husband of nearly 68 years, Richard Earl Dean. They married in 1957 and went on to have three children (R. Jeffery, Kimberly and Katheryn).

Chris loved children and delighted in time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was proud of being a teacher and a Spartan.  Her greatest joy came from her family.  She was fiercely protective of, devoted to, and unabashedly proud of husband, children and grandchildren.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Philip and Richard. She is survived by her husband Richard; son, R. Jeffery Dean (Jill); daughter, Kimberly Schenarts (PJ); and daughter, Katheryn Blatchford (Lane). Grandchildren: R. Adam Dean (Meghan); Rebecca Dean Preston (Andrew); Kirk Blatchford (Olivia); Kenton Blatchford (Sabrina); Kelsey Blatchford; Spencer Schenarts; and Jeff Anderson (Bree). Great Grandchildren: Charlie, Grace and Connor Dean; Samuel, Tessa and Lucy Preston; Reece and Theo Blatchford; and Elaine and Max Anderson.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life in the spring.

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