Mary Jane (Russell) “MJ” Dean, 71, of Stephens City, Virginia passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Novant Medical Center in Haymarket, Virginia, due to complications from a stroke.
Mary Jane was born in 1947 in Winchester, Virginia, the loving daughter of Colleen Russell of Clear Brook, Virginia and the late James Robert Russell. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from James Madison University and was a second grade teacher for 30 years, teaching at Bass Hoover Elementary in Stephens City, Virginia for 25+ years, retiring in 2009. Mary Jane saw something special in every student and cherished their successes in education and life, but mourning their losses in life and life works. She loved each and every one of her students. Mary Jane enjoyed sewing, needle point, reading, and gave of herself to others in need any way she could. She liked being out-and-about, staying active, and loved life. Just like her students she treasured her family and friends; delighting in the joy of their successes and happiness, but always there to comfort them in time of loss and grief. She will be sorely missed by family and friends. Mary Jane was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Mary Jane married Paul L. Dean on September 29, 1990 at Wesley United Methodist Church.
Surviving is her loving husband, Paul; daughters, Trish Moreland of Stephens City, Virginia and Dawn Brunk (Justin) of Alexandria, Virginia; sisters, Karen Belford (Robert) and Colleen Smith (David) all of Frederick County, Virginia; grandsons, Brent Moreland and Jackson Brunk; nephews, Robbie Belford, David and Jamie Smith; and many loving cousins and friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 2 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, March 23rd, at Omps Reception Center, Amherst Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made in MJ’s memory to Bass Hoover Elementary School for school supplies or please bring your contributions to Omps Funeral Home, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia and we will deliver them to the school or contributions may be made in MJ’s name to purchase a Buddy Bench for Bass Hoover Elementary, please mail those contributions to Pamela Witt, 128 Old Wagon Road, Winchester, Virginia 22602 Memo: Buddy Bench.