Barbara H. Dean

Barbara Helen (Cratty) Dean, 84, passed on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

She left this world the way she lived in it—on her own terms, with humor, grit, and an unwavering spirit. She passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s, having been cared for at home (per her very clear instructions) until the last three months of her life. Through it all, she kept her signature wit and charm.

On the other side, she’s undoubtedly being welcomed by some of her favorite people, including our dearly missed "Dadio," her husband, George O. Dean Sr., and her sweet brother, Gary J. Cratty. She leaves behind her children: Mary E. Dean of Ocracoke, NC, Rae Bethe Dean-Jones (Jim) of New Castle, and George O. Dean Jr. (Lorene) of New Castle. She is also survived by four beautiful grandchildren—Cody Dean, Savanna Jones, Sam Jones, and Tyler Dean—as well as her brother Ralph (Judy) Cratty II in Arizona.

Mom was an artist in every sense of the word. She mastered countless mediums, from oil and acrylic painting to photography (developing her own prints) and stained glass. A true lover of nature, for countless years throughout her life, you could find her in the woods, binoculars around her neck, a camera in one hand and a fishing pole in the other.  She was an avid birder and dedicated many years to the Audubon Society. She also dabbled in poetry, and we’ve included one of her pieces below for you to enjoy.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Haven Convalescent Home and Linda Fuchs for their exceptional care and kindness in Mom’s final months.

In lieu of flowers… take a walk, listen to the birds, and soak in the beauty around you—she would have wanted that for you.

There will be no formal service, the family will hold a Celebration of Life on Ocracoke Island in the near future.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the William F. and Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Ave.

THE CENTRAL CALM
Here on a Hatteras Beach

I sit...
Savoring a soft sunrise.
I wonder...
At warm pastel colors
Flooding the sky and sea.
I listen...
As seagull sounds mix with the gentle heartbeat of the surf.
I watch...
As a buttery sun ascends
And I become golden as the sand,
And one with the universe.
I sense...
Pools of energy
And all of life's daring possibilities.
I breathe...
Stirring the breezes,
Breaking the mirror,
Fracturing the colors,
Of the sea.
I transcend...
Feeling a deep inner peace.
At last, I've found the central calm.
I am...aware,
The universe
Has just passed through me...
...And...

... I AM

—Barbara C. Dean