Obituaries

Nadene Whisnant Dean lived a life rich in service, wit, purpose, and joy – a life that touched countless people across generations. Born on July 24, 1930, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Walter and Lavena Whisnant, Nadene's adventurous spirit revealed itself early. As a child she moved with her family to the Army's Schofield Barracks on Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, where she attended elementary school in grass huts with palm-frond roofs – a memory she cherished for the rest of her life and one that sparked her lifelong love of water and the outdoors. After returning to Texas in 1940, she attended Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, where she was treasurer of the school paper and active in many student groups.

In 1949 she married William Patrick Egan, with whom she had her first two children, Michael and Maria. In 1954 she married Raymond Dean Jr. and had Maryl and Marcia. Nadene and Raymond raised their family in Sherman and were married 51 years until his passing in 2005.

Nadene's dedication to service was unmatched. She helped establish and run the Meals on Wheels program and created the United Way Hotline in Grayson County. She was a water safety instructor and established the Learn to Swim program in Grayson County. She directed Camp Rio Rojo for Campfire Girls on Lake Texoma, was named “1966 First Lady of Sherman,” and served two terms as president of the Fairview Parent-Teacher Association, which honored her with a Lifetime Membership. She was president of the Sherman Service Episcopal Churchwomen of the Diocese of Dallas, and was the first woman elected to the Vestry of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where she served as Senior Warden. She had also led the Women of St. Stephen's, directed Sunday School and summer church camp, directed the Altar Guild, and sang in the choir.

The arts were another lifelong passion. Nadene was deeply involved with Finley Playhouse, which she called her “home away from home.” If she wasn't acting in the plays, she was backstage, running the box office, or serving as the last-minute fixer of anything and everything. A passionate supporter of local culture and education, she believed that the arts brought people together and built stronger communities.

Nadene's curiosity and drive for learning never waned. after raising her children, she returned to school and earned her master's degree in political science with a minor in French literature from Austin College. She later worked at Grayson County Junior College as a testing administrator and proctor for the GED program, where she continued to encourage and support students in their educational journeys.

A prolific letter writer, Nadene's opinions were legendary – no politician, film critic, or family member was safe from her sharp wit and heartfelt words. When she wasn't penning letters, she was creating beauty with a needle, producing exquisite needlepoint pieces that remain treasured family heirlooms. A devoted opera enthusiast, she often traveled to New York City to attend performances at the Metropolitan Opera House and embarked on opera tours across Europe.

Nadene was also a devoted sports fan, cheering for the Sherman Bearcats, the Dallas Cowboys (especially quarterback Dandy Don Meredith), the New York Yankees, tennis greats, and of course, the Texas Longhorns. Her enthusiasm for competition matched her zest for life – she approached every challenge and every celebration with spirited energy and humor.

Nadene is survived by her children Michael Patrick Egan Dean of Horseshoe Bay, TX, and Marcia Dean Scott of Montevallo, AL; her sister-in-law Diana Dean of Streator, IL: her grandchildren Lisa Dean of McKinney, TX, Jennifer Dean Lonergan of Brooklyn, NY, Simone Macdonald Gonzalez Carreon of Austin, TX, Catherine Sheffield of San Diego, CA and Julia Macdonald-Ward of Dallas, TX; as well as great-grandchildren Zoe Gonzalez, Collin Sheffield, Victor Carreon, Jonathan Carreon, Shelby Gonzalez Carreon, Leia Ward, Logan Ward, and Eleanor Lonergan. She was preceded in death by her grandson Michael Christian Macdonald and by her daughters Maryl Dean Weightman and Marla Egan Dean.

Nadene passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, in Bee Cave, Texas, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant, determined, and generous as she was. Her spirit lives on in the countless people she taught to swim, the letters that changed minds, the performances that delighted audiences, the stitches that told stories, and the family and friends who were lucky enough to be loved by her.