Elizabeth Dean

Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Dean, age 87, of Stanwood (Canadian Lakes), MI, passed away Sunday evening, September 7, 2025 at home under the loving care of her family and Hospice of Michigan. The daughter of Francis (Frank) Adolphus & Hilma (Kasari) Vanderhelst, she was born on July 10, 1938 in Bronx, New York.

A 1956 graduate of Mackenzie High School in Detroit, Liz then went on to receive her degree in Business Administration through Chrysler Corporation. She was an avid swimmer, swimming on both the Tappan Intermediate School and Mackenzie High School swim teams. During Liz’s high school years, you would find her working behind the Awrey Bakery counter of Wrigley’s, the local supermarket where she made lifelong friendships; including her first husband, Donald A. Carpenter, and her second husband, the love of her life, Thomas E. Dean. Liz married Donald while still in college, and upon graduation, proceeded to start a family in Detroit. During that time, Liz served on the board of the local neighborhood association, as well as the local Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America. Liz and Donald remained friends when the marriage ended. Liz worked at the Pfeister Company in Southfield, but the majority of her career was at Kraft Foods (formerly General Foods Corporation).

Liz and Tom were married on September 11, 1991, and headed up to Canadian Lakes in July of 1999 for life on Lake Laura. Liz really excelled in Canadian Lakes, joining every volunteer position available. She started with the Canadian Lakes Players and found her new love under the lights, performing in plays for 25 years. During that same time, she started playing poker on a men’s card group, which prompted one of the members to enlist her to join the Canadian Lakes Association Board of Directors. She was on the board for the years of 2004-2006, and 2010-2015. Liz was also the Editor of the Canadian Lakes Association Lite Lines from June 2005-June 2015. In addition, she was also the kids Theatre Camp Registrar from 2008-2024 (with the exception of 2020 due to Covid). Liz was also the Director of the Buy a Brick program from its inception in 2012 through 2024. And one of her favorite volunteer positions was her assistance with the Morton Township Fire Department’s annual Memorial Day and Labor Day fundraising events. She worked each event every year for almost 20 years.

Liz just blossomed in Canadian Lakes. You would have thought she lived there her entire life; especially the way the community has shown her their love and support. She was recently awarded the first Canadian Lakes Association Lifetime Achievement Award for all of her volunteer contributions, and the Morton Township Fire Department gave her the ultimate Firefighter salute by parading their fire trucks and EMS vehicles, with sirens and lights a-blazing, in honor of Liz, up and down her street. A special “thank you” for all of her efforts over the years.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Francis (Frank) and Hilma Vanderhelst; her husband, Thomas Eddy Dean; and her brother, Peter Vanderhelst.

Liz is survived by her three sons and daughter: James Douglas Carpenter (Janice), Donald Arthur Carpenter (Charlotte), Mary (Mary Beth) Elizabeth (David Bazner) and Frank Andrew Carpenter (Sue Hartman); 10 grandchildren, to which she is loving called Grandmama; and 12 great grandchildren, with one on the way, who adoringly call her GiGi.

Liz has her faith in our Lord, and is comforted knowing that she will once again be united with Tom.

A memorial mass will be scheduled at a later date and all memorial donations in Liz’s honor can be made to the Morton Township Fire Department, 8260 100th Ave., Stanwood, MI 49346.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Elizabeth's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.