Geraldine "Jerry" Dean

DEAN (BURKEMO), GERALDINE "JERRY" EUGENIA Geraldine "Jerry" Eugenia Burkemo Dean, age 87, began her spiritual life on Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 joyfully joining the many she loved, especially her husband Leo, her son James, her father Alfred Burkemo, mother Madeline (DeVos) Burkemo and younger brother Al "Alfie" Burkemo. Our mother always said her marriage and life with her children was "the best of times" and she would gladly do it all again if given the chance. Motherhood was a career choice she never regretted. Her children were the fiber of her existence. She loved a house filled with laughter and family, the more the merrier. She is survived by her children Timothy (Linda), Peggy, Mary (Frank), Matt, Julie (Steve), Molly (Kevin) and Claire (Ray). Also surviving are her sixteen grandchildren: Katie, Jim, Natalie, Melissa, Olivia, Megan (Evan), Brian (Kristin), Matthew, Michael, Lauren, Mercedes, Isabel, Atticus, Ireland, Mitchell, Jack and great-granddaughter Luna. Geraldine was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 16th, 1925. She graduated from St. Anthony High School in Detroit in 1943. Jerry worked for the Burroughs Corporation until her marriage to Leo Dean of Midland, Michigan on June 19th 1948. Together they raised eight children. They began their lives together in Bay City, Michigan, then settling in Detroit for many years. Jerry and Leo also lived in Midland and Alpena, Michigan. Mom and Dad experienced the adventure of their lives while living in Germany and travelling throughout Europe from 1982-1986. Upon returning to the States, they retired to Hubbard Lake, Michigan where they lived for 20 years making many dear friends and Bridge partners. These past seven years Jerry made many loving friends at Bayberry Farms in Wyoming, Michigan. To all her friends and family who gave her love, support and friendship throughout her life, we, her children, thank you. We also wish to thank the caring staff at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods. A Memorial Mass celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1800 44th St., Kentwood, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Magdalen "Building Resurrection Fund". Online condolences may be left at www.ofieldfuneralhome.com.