Remembering Mary Hope Dean, child social worker devoted to her 12 godchildren

"Known as Hope or Hopie to her family and friends, she was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 22, 1947, to Hope Sweetser Dean and Philip Dean. Hope graduated from The Miss Hall's School in 1965 and Wheelock College in 1969. After teaching in Marin and Portland, Oregon, for 12 years, she returned to the East Coast for an undergraduate degree in Children's Literature from Simmons College in 1981. She then continued at Simmons College to receive her MSW and LCSW degree in 1986."

"Hope returned to California where she settled and ultimately dedicated 38 years to her work as a child therapist. She excelled in her profession and earned deep respect from her colleagues and the broader professional community. She was a graduate of The Berkeley Psychotherapy Institute and a member of the Institute of Sand Play Therapy in California. Hope served on the boards of The Ann Martin Children's Center and the Mary Sarvis Memorial Fund."

"Hope's children were her 12 godchildren, to whom she was deeply devoted. She nurtured them and remained present throughout their lives. Her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews also brought her immense joy. Whatever Hope chose to do, she did with great love and dedication. She loved needlepoint, weaving, knitting, reading, and attending musical events. She also loved to travel and explore internationally. Hope cherished her plants and garden, as well as the quiet ritual of sitting with a cup of tea."

Mary Hope Dean was born in Boston on October 22, 1947, and died January 13 at age 78 after a fight with cancer. She graduated from The Miss Hall's School and Wheelock College, taught for 12 years, then earned a degree in Children's Literature from Simmons College and an MSW and LCSW in 1986. She practiced as a child therapist in California for 38 years, graduated from The Berkeley Psychotherapy Institute, and belonged to the Institute of Sand Play Therapy. She served on boards including The Ann Martin Children's Center and the Mary Sarvis Memorial Fund. She was devoted to her 12 godchildren and enjoyed needlepoint, weaving, knitting, reading, travel, gardening, music, and a 37-year discussion and prayer group.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org