Susan Thorpe Dean passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Monday, August 12, 2019, in the presence of her family. She was born November 4, 1948, in Nashville, TN, to Frederick and Martha Thorpe, and raised in Birmingham, AL. Susan graduated from Vanderbilt University before obtaining her doctorate in computer science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham; her thirty-plus years as a professor included time at UAB, Samford University, and the University of Maryland Europe. In 1970, Susan married William R. Dean, with whom she raised two children, Logan (Laura) and Edward.

As an educator and as a mother, she imparted knowledge and showed by example how to lead a life of kindness, strength, generosity and good spirit. Susan had a particular love and talent for music, which she shared as a vocalist and a violinist in many settings throughout her life, including her time at All Saints' Episcopal Church of Birmingham and St. Kilian's church in Oftersheim, Germany.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her sister Florence Thorpe Eddins (Woody), her retirement partner John Meinke, her ex-husband William and their children, and her niece, nephew, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 10 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Church, 25 Benton Avenue, Walton, New York with Rev. Edward J. Golding officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Susan's memory to the American Red Cross, 700 Caldwell Trace, Birmingham, AL 35242.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton, New York To leave a message of hope and sympathy for Susan's family, please visit www.courtneyfh.com