Elizabeth Ziemba Dean
Elizabeth Rose Ziemba Dean passed away in her home on March 27, 2024, from complications due to a fall. She was known to many as "Liz" or "Betty." She was born on November 19, 1927, in Gerardville, Pennsylvania to Mary (Baba) Slusar and John Stefan Ziemba. She is predeceased by her parents, Mary and John, brothers, Frank and Stanley (Stash) Ziemba, son in law, John Davis, and her former husband, Ralph H. Dean.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, Elizabeth attended Connerton Elementary school, St. Casimir, and graduated from J.W. Lincoln High School. After graduation, she worked as a Governess in Washington, D.C. for the head of Social Security, who needed help caring for her two sons.
Once she returned to Pennsylvania, she worked at a cigar factory. She met Ralph Dean who was from Salem, Virginia and they were married in 1946. They moved to Virginia and started a family and had three daughters. In 1948, Elizabeth's mother (Baba) moved in with them and was with them until her death in 1969.
Elizabeth worked for Halmode Apparel and J.P. Tayloring Co., as well as ITT. She was a very hard worker, and in her spare time she enjoyed making many different crafts that she would give away as gifts. She spent countless hours making afghans, beautiful Christmas ornaments, and clothes for her family and friends. She had a special talent and her original ideas were admired by many. Her passion for dance was evident as she became a dance instructor for many years. As she aged, she spent her days reading and crafting along with watching the New York Yankees and Virginia Tech on game days. She enjoyed every visit from her grandchildren as they gave her much joy. She extended her title from wife to great, great, grandmother. Her legacy lives on in the lives of these children.
Elizabeth is survived by her daughters Peggy (Billy) Price, Paulette (Larry) Ogle, Sr., and Leslie (John, deceased) Davis; her grandchildren, Kelly Price, Jennifer (Tim) Barnes, Kristie (David) Moore, Tommy (Tammy) Ogle, Larry (girlfriend Dovile and kids Alta and Henry) Ogle, Johnny (Danyale) Davis, and RJ (Jennifer) Davis. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Lane (Courtney) Moore, Paige (Mac) Stephenson, Jesse (Montana) Moore, Jared Moore, Jake Barnes, Kayla Barnes, Emma Barnes, Seth Barnes, Brandon Ogle, Lauren (Myles) Wickham, Jordan Ogle, Sydney Ogle, Ty Ogle, Bryce Davis, Cameron Davis, Jax Davis, Courtney Taylor, and Austin, Gabriella, and Kaelyn Davis. She is survived by her great, great, grandchildren, Taylen and Anderson Wickham, Addie Moore, Mayson and Robert (Bobby) Stephenson, Raelyn Moore, Jayce and Wyatt Taylor, and Alayah Jessie.
Elizabeth is also survived by Joseph Ziemba, her brother and best friend, and his daughters, Berna Jo and Leisa, and his son, Michael, and their families. Joe could always lighten Elizabeth's spirits when needed and his visits put a smile on her face, as she loved him so very much.
The family would like to thank those at Innovage for providing care and fun activities for our mother for the last few months, and the wonderful ladies at Good Samaritan for their excellent care of Elizabeth during her last few days. We would also like to thank Larry and Paulette Ogle for their dedication and commitment while taking care of Elizabeth over the past few years as her health declined. We would like to say a very special "Thank You" to Tammy Ogle who was instrumental in easing the stress on the immediate family by being a caregiver and nurse. God knew exactly who needed to be there and we are forever grateful.
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Salem, Virginia, between 10 – 11 a.m., with funeral Mass immediately following. There will be a private interment at a later date at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, in Roanoke.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Dean family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
