Sharon "Shari" Dean

Sharon “Shari” Audrey Gage Dean, age 80, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Rose Arbor Hospice.  She was born to the late George Gage and Dorothy Kai on December 18, 1942.

Shari attended Portage Central High before attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College.  She graduated with her Associate degree and worked in sales for several years.  She then found her passion in dental hygiene and for over 30 years, she practiced dental hygiene in the greater Kalamazoo area.

Family and friends were Shari’s passion and delight.  She enjoyed spending time with people working on crafts or playing games.  In addition, she had a knack for gardening and baking. She loved to travel and be in the sunshine.

She married her high school sweetheart, Duane Dean, on June 29, 1962.  The couple has lived in the Portage area for most of their married life.  They would pass the time together, taking car rides and reminiscing on how times have changed.

Shari is survived by her husband Duane; four children, Michelle (Richard) Clark, Melissa (Travis) Dean-McKinney, Matthew Dean, and Meredith (Daniel) Dean McArthur; and three grandchildren Rachel Clark, Emily and Kate McKinney.

The family will host a private burial at Hope Cemetery for immediate family and a celebration of life in the spring for family and friends.  The family wishes to thank all those who cared for her throughout her life. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Zion Lutheran Church, in memory of Sharon.