Mary Ruth Dean

Mary Ruth Dean lived life on her own terms, with a camera in her hand, a song in her heart, and her signature waist-length hair flowing behind her. On her own terms, too, she made her peaceful transition, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, fierce resilience, and love.

For 42 years, Mary shared a deeply rooted partnership with her husband, Peter. Together, they poured their hearts into restoring a family home overlooking Lake Michigan-a sanctuary where they spent her retirement years watching the water and sharing space with her beloved cat, Lumpy.

Mary's professional life was split between grounding logic and soaring art. For 22 years, she was a pillar of the administration at Aquinas College. Outside the office, she was a gifted photographer with an eye for the soul of a moment, and a vocalist blessed with a powerful, operatic voice. She sang with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Bach Chorale, and the Evangelical Chorale Society of Grand Rapids. Mary also recorded professionally, but her most memorable performances were the ones that came straight from the heart. Her favorite song to perform was "For Good" from the musical Wicked-a piece she famously and movingly sang at her mother-in-law's funeral, embodying the lyric: "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

In her later years, Mary faced a formidable opponent in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Though the joint disorder increasingly compromised her daily living, Mary fought with everything she had to maintain her independence and live as normally as possible. She refused to let her diagnosis define her spirit. In a final, characteristic act of generosity and grace, Mary donated her beautiful, waist-length hair to Locks of Love upon her passing.

Mary didn't want a somber mourning. To honor her vibrant life, a celebration for her family and friends will be held on September 12, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary's name to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome research foundation. (https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/research)