Viola Anna Dean

July 19, 1922 - May 17, 2022

Dean, Vicky "Viola" Mom went home to be with her Savior Jesus on May 17, 2022 at age 99. Born on July 19, 1922 in Odessa, MN. Preceded in death by husband Robert Dean, mother Anna Nitz, father George Nitz, brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Bea Nitz. Survived by her loving daughters: Kimberly (Stephen) Blomberg, Barbara (Gary) Hirsch, Laurie (Kevin) Woolsey, Tamara (Gary) St. John; grandchildren: James Blomberg, Michael (Alicia) Blomberg, Carolyn Blomberg, Adrienne (Paul) Ean, David (Angie) Hirsch, Christopher (Jordan) Hirsch, Rachel (Collin) Malaney, Lauren St. John (fiancé, Justin Satterberg), Jesse St. John, Natalie St. John; great-grandchildren: Ari, Elon, Lucy, Noelle, Rowan, Keller and Jonas; sister-in-law Judy Fisher; and many dear friends. Mom was a lover of singing, music, theater, painting, writing, books, gardening, hosting friends and family, cooking and baking, adventure and kitties. Her greatest desire was for everyone to know Jesus personally. Her love of the Lord was foremost and she spent many years studying the Bible in BSF and sharing her faith. Mom loved to laugh and absolutely hated to miss out on any fun. She was a graduate of Minneapolis South High, attended Minnesota School of Business and Irvine Studio for Acting in NYC. Her real passion was for the theater and she joined the N.Y. Children's Theater Company, traveling to different states performing. Post WWII, she went to Germany for a year as the Recreational Director for the Air Force. She had a beautiful soprano voice, and in 1952 she won the Minneapolis Aquatennial singing contest, and also started to sing with the Minneapolis Choralaires directed by Bob Mantzke. She also sang with the St. Paul Opera Chorus. When her family was grown she worked as a travel agent for Dayton Travel, Viking Travel and retired from AAA Travel at the age of 82. After retirement she volunteered for the Richfield Read-A-Story Theater, tutored immigrants in English, painted and wrote her memoirs. Her faith in God, courage and positive attitude were such an inspiration when she became blind with glaucoma at the age of 95. We are praising God that her sight is now restored! We are thankful for the compassionate and outstanding care from all of the staff who cared for her at Heart to Home, Mendakota Manor. May God richly bless you. Memorial service will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 1pm with visitation 1 hr prior at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, , 1720 E. Minnehaha Pkwy, Mpls. Handicap entrance in rear of church, enter off of 17th Ave. Private interment. Washburn-McReavy.com Nokomis Park Chapel 612-721-1651 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway