Stella Dean

MADISON – Stella Ruth Dean, 97, passed away February 24, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 27, 1927, in Madison, the daughter of Cecil J. and Doris (Robbins) Ahearn. She enjoyed much of her childhood living with her beloved grandparents Dana and Edith Robbins of Twelve Corners in Madison and shared details about community life and the history of the area in a book she wrote in 1992 called History and Memories of Twelve Corners.

Stella graduated salutatorian of her class and worked for the State of Maine in Augusta during World War II. On Sept. 11, 1946, she married Robert Dean. As a self-employed dairy farmer with her husband, she was well-known for her hospitality and dedication to community-based activities and service. She enjoyed quilting, painting, square dancing, snowmobiling, baking and selling the best turkey pies for the annual Abnaki Sno-Riders club fundraiser for many years, travel, and making memories with her family and friends. 

Stella is survived by son, Harold and wife, Peggy, of Madison; grandchildren, Angela Wisdom and husband, Jeff, of West Chicago, Illinois, Stacey Han and husband, Mao, of Lowell, Arkansas, Dean Sherman and wife, Shannon, of Yarmouth, Massachusetts; great-grandchildren, Ben and Trent Wisdom, Kaleo, Josias and Jackson Han, and Tucker and Teagan Sherman. She is also survived by her sister Jean Williams of North Anson and many nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and “adopted” family members and neighbors.

She is predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Robert J. Dean, daughter, Ruth D. Sherman, and son-in-law C. Randall Sherman. 

A graveside service will be announced at a future date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stella Dean, please visit our floral store.