Virginia Dean

Virginia Dean. Born Virginia Mae Bruce, died May 9, 2026, peacefully in her sleep at the Puget Sound Care Facility in Olympia, WA. She struggled with dementia for many years, many family members were unrecognizable for almost a decade. Virginia was a strong Christian woman that lived for her family. Born in Yakima, WA to her parents Della and Beaurl Bruce, June 28 th , 1938. Being baptized at age 11 in the Church of the Brethren her commitment to God and family became her life’s journey. Many of her childhood friends included many of her 32 first cousins. During her teen years she enjoyed activities with the church and at the roller-skating rink; where she met the man of her dreams, Wayne. They married on September 14, 1957, in Yakima, WA.

Together they had two beautiful daughters, Julie Ann (June 3, 1958) and Jennifer Lynn (Aug. 27, 1959) Wayne and Virginia lived in the same house on 52 nd Ave for 28 years. After retirement, Wayne from the city and Virginia 20 years at Snokist Canary, they moved to Snohomish, WA. Their retirement job was caring for the parks of Snohomish, cleaning and other maintenance; she also began her wedding cake business that blessed many couples over the years. After the tragic passing of her beloved husband in 1990 Virginia and her mother Della moved to Renton, WA. While living there she became an active member of the Auburn Church of the Nazarene. After many years Virginia and her mother moved in with her daughter Jennifer and family in Tacoma, WA. She spent time also living in the home of her granddaughter Christy and her family. Eventually dementia became too difficult for home care, and she moved to assisted living where she was cared for dearly by each staff member.

Virginia was known for her incredible warmth and smile. With her childlike love for Jesus, she brought happiness wherever she went. Virginia knew she shared the greatest love in marriage and cherished every memory daily of Wayne; but watching life go on through her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren kept her at peace.

Virginia is survived by Her daughter Julie Pleasants (Tom), Emily Treese, sister Karen (Steve) Anderson. Grandchildren Mike Pleasants (Leslie), DeAnna Hamm (Rodney), JoAnna Madsen (Chris), Brian Silvers (Shannon) and Christy Douglas (Erik). Great grandchildren Samantha Hamerly (Cody), Max Haverfield (Kayla), Zeke Haverfield, Westin Madsen, Deklin Madsen, Collin Silvers, Maddie Silvers, Joshua Hansen, Kendal Douglas, Kayla Pleasants, Jacob Pleasants. Great-great grandson Graham Haverfield.

She was predeceased by her husband Wayne Alvin Dean, Daughter Jennifer Lynn Silvers, parents Della and Beaurl Bruce, Brothers James Bruce and Tom Bruce and their closest friends Phillis, Emil and Ann Kissel.

Please join us in celebrating her life Wednesday May 27 th , 2026, 1:30pm, at Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup WA.