Brith Irene Dean reunited with her parents in heaven on June 5, 2019, after being loved to death by her family and friends. Brith was born August 22, 1949 to Haakon and Mary Jensen in Salt Lake City, UT. She married Robert Dean on March 27, 1970, later divorced.
Brith was passionate about children's literacy, first with her own kids and then as a volunteer/paraprofessional at Lincoln/Liberty Elementary School in Salt Lake City for almost 30 years. Her infinite capacity for caring combined with her ridiculous silliness made her a perfect fit to teach kids, even those deeply opposed to learning. In fact, her commitment to the kids at Liberty Elementary was so intense, she waited to pass away until just a few hours after school had been dismissed for the summer.
Brith's life was ultimately about service. She had a talent for recognizing where someone was struggling in their lives and immediately acted to help in any way she could, giving of herself tirelessly. When everyone else was exhausted, she would say, "Oh come on, let's just do it real quick." And two to three days later, she would finally let us rest.
Brith embodied a spirit of forgiveness, which her family did their best to challenge whenever possible. Her supportiveness, forgiveness, and disarming playfulness made her a best friend to so many from all walks of life. She will be greatly missed.
Brith is survived by her siblings, Anne and Brent, 6 children, Lara (Sam), Jenny, Carie (Ron), Amy (Dan), Eric (Emily), and Emily (Olivier), 7 grandchildren Olivia, Nina, Adam, Maya, Anthony, Liam and Jack, and two beloved pets, Mogalie and Lita. Preceded in death by parents Haakon and Mary Jensen.
In Brith's honor, please perform a random act of kindness, read a book with a child, then give yourself a playful spanking.
Viewing to be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 11 am at the LDS Foothill 6th Ward at 2215 E. Roosevelt Ave., SLC and services to follow at 1 pm. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery following service.
