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Jana (Sabin) Dean was born in Chehalis, Washington, to David and Sharen Sabin. One of four daughters, the Sabin family lived in Adna, where Jana had a wonderful childhood surrounded by siblings, cousins and friends. She attended Adna schools where she was an athlete and excelled in basketball, fastpitch and dance team. She graduated from Adna High School in 1988.
Attending Centralia College the following year, she met David Dean at a college dance, and they fell in love immediately. After three years of laughter and love, they wed on July 17, 1993. Together, they shared 36 wonderful years. During their life together, they lived in Winlock and Chehalis. They were blessed with two children: their son Samuel, born in 1997, and their daughter Olivia, born in 2000. Family meant everything to Jana, and her children became her focus and passion every day until her passing. She never missed an opportunity to support any sporting event or special event her children had.
Jana was a tremendous mother who created an atmosphere of love, fun and learning. She decided to homeschool her children, and the Dean home became a place where the doors were always open and friends and family were always welcome. The home was always filled with warmth and laughter, and a party was always planned where all could gather, laugh and share experiences. Jana created a place where everyone felt at home with her welcoming presence.
Jana started her career as an LPN, then took a break to raise her children. Later in her life, she found her calling as a life coach and mental toughness trainer. First focusing on student-athletes, she then branched out into all aspects of helping anyone she could with her talent, warmth and kindness. She became a positive influence and worked to help others fiercely. The impact she left was immense. She was a safe place for everyone who came in contact with her. She was everybody's advocate and friend, and she worked to bring out the absolute best in people.
Jana and David were blessed with a grandchild, Rosemary Rae Dean, bringing more love and joy than they could have imagined.
Jana will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and zest for life. Every friend or family member adored and loved her immensely. Her laugh will always be with us. She never wanted a party or get-together to end. There was laughter every day in her life. Her legacy will live on through all she touched.
Jana is survived by her husband, David Dean; her two children, Samuel (Reagan) Dean and Olivia (Alexa) Dean; her grandchild, Rosemary Dean; her parents, David and Sharen Sabin; her sisters, Jill (Mark) Machin, Cara (Jeff) Hall and Kristin Sabin; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Our family is incredibly grateful for all of the love and support during this time. The care that family, friends and community have shown has been a true gift that brings us hope, comfort and strength. Jana loved people, and her motto was “Go to Love.” This experience has shown us why she lived her life this way. All of the outpouring of love and support has blown us away. She was right, and the message we see at the end of the day is that people are good.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, May 3, at The Jester Event Center in Chehalis from 1 to 4 p.m.
