Bertha Ann Dean

Bertha, better known as Mom or Granny, was 97 when she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday 3-14. Bertha was born in Gassaway, West Virginia on February 12, 1929 to James W. Nelson and Mary E. Nelson. Growing up, she attended Gassaway High School. After high school, Bertha met the love of her life Harold Dean Sr. who had recently returned from the war. They were married for 64 years and grew their family with the addition of their son Harold Jr. and daughter Linda. Once the kids left the house, Granny worked for American Greetings for 27 years.

Granny was the most generous, loving, patient, kind, merciful, and hard-working person you could ever imagine. She would only eat if everyone else had food. There were no leaves on her porch, sticks in her yard, socks left unpaired or towels left unfolded. Her mercy gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. Her glass of optimism wasn’t just half full, it was overflowing. She was always positive and never complained. Desserts were a staple of her diet with Mentos and Sweet tea filling the rest of her food pyramid. She appreciated nature with awe and love, never passing up an opportunity to point out flowers, the clouds, and how green everything was. She loved her time with family. Whether it was Thanksgiving with all of us crammed into her tiny home or outings to mum festivals, pumpkin patches, or train rides, she enjoyed it all. Granny’s love was unconditional. She always put her love and care for others before herself. Even her last words were “I love you” and “I feel good”. Her life was well lived and a beautiful example of something we can all aspire to.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Harold Dean Sr., parents James and Mary Nelson, sister Arlene Radar, brothers Paul, Jasper, and Jimmy Nelson.

She is survived by her son Harold Dean Jr. (Wanda), daughter Linda Boal (John), grandchildren, Jeff Boal (Jessica), Jodi Dean, Jeremy Boal (Brooke), and great grandchildren Leah, Callie, Jake, Lacey and Luke Boal, and best friend Lenora Pettit.

Thank you to the caring and compassionate staff at Homestead Hartville for taking such great care of Granny.

Family will receive friends at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 on Saturday, March 21st from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., when the funeral service will begin with Pastor Karin Wright officiating. A committal service will follow at Hillside Memorial Park, where Bertha will be laid to rest with her husband Harold. To leave a special message for her family, please visit the guest book below. 

To view the service virtually at the scheduled service time, please click here.