Marie Dean, 91, of North Whitehall Township, died peacefully on Feb. 6, 2021, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

Born Jan. 31, 1930, in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Pleskach) Czaczara.

Growing up on her beloved farm in North Whitehall Township, she married the late Theodore E. Dean Sr. and raised two boys while continuing to help run the farm.

She pursued personal fulfillment through volunteerism and community service.

Elected Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds in 1996, she served in that role until 2008.

She was president of NOVA Auxiliary for 45 years.

A 1948 graduate of the former South Whitehall High School, she was an excellent student and loved to play basketball.

Later in life, she became an avid bowler and enjoyed ice skating.

Her other interests were baking, traveling, attending Broadway shows, decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs, playing the Boomba, and spending time with her family.

By far her greatest passion was volunteerism.

Her career encompassed a broad range of roles, including accounting clerk, various retail positions, bank teller and zoning officer for North Whitehall Township.

She combined commitment to service with passion for life and a tireless work ethic.

She was always ready for new adventures and making new friends.

Growing up on the farm instilled her with tenacity and an incredible inner toughness that contributed to her ability to serve her family and the community.

Her survivors include sons Theodore E. Jr. and his wife, Linda, of North Whitehall Township, Thomas J. Dean and his wife, Amanda, of Boulder Colo.; and grandchildren Jeb, Joe and Stephanie Dean.

She was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Makosky.

Family and friends may pay their respects 8:30-10:30 a.m. Feb. 12 in Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville.

A private service will follow the visitation for invited guests only due to COVID-19 concerns.

A livestream link of the service will be available on her obituary on the funeral home website at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NOVA Auxiliary, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.