Cynthia J. Dean

Cynthia Jane Dean, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully at her home on April 12, 2024, with her life partner of 48 years by her side. Cynthia was born on February 6, 1953, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Earl Thomas Dean and Norma Blanchard Dean.

She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her life partner, Patricia Groves; daughter, Hillary Dean; grandchildren, Anna Laura McMillan Oakley, Kara Rodriguez, Dakota Dean-Nolan, and Jackson Dean-Nolan. She is also survived by her brothers, Earl Thomas Dean (Debbie Dean), Robin Rex; family by choice, Marylue Bodenmiller; and her faithful dog, Jake.

Cynthia graduated from Mingo High School and Bowling Green State University. She was a talented musician and played trumpet in the Mingo and B.G.S.U. Marching Bands. Upon graduation, she was a member of the Toledo Symphony Chorale, until her health declined. At B.G.S.U., she became involved in the women’s rights movement and throughout her life, she remained a strong advocate for social justice. She worked for 30 years for the Lucas County Sheriff’s Department, serving as a counselor and as the Director of Inmate Services. She served on several community boards, including the United Way and Bethany House. She volunteered for the Personal Rights Organization and was a founding Member of the Lavender Triangle.

Cynthia was a lifelong United Methodist and was a member of Monroe Street United Methodist Church.

Cynthia loved spending time with family and thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren. She enjoyed entertaining friends and held many memorable 4th of July parties, at her home. She loved travel and the outdoors, her most memorable trips being several trips to the Canadian Rockies and a trip to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Cynthia was an avid football and women’s basketball fan, specifically the Ohio State Buckeyes, Pittsburg Steelers, and the women’s Toledo Rockets.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to: The Monroe Street Neighborhood Center, Bluff Street Village, Fairfield Children’s Home (FOSAKIDS.org), or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Monroe Street Church at 11:00 A.M., followed by a celebration of Life at her home, 2908 107th St., Toledo, OH 43611.