Sept. 16, 1939 to Aug. 17, 2024
Judith Dean, 84, of Palo Alto, passed away on August 17, 2024. She was born in San Francisco on September 16, 1939, the daughter of Albert Penton Dean and Genevieve (Howard) Dean Jelicich.
Judith was an avid lover of nature. She enjoyed camping, fishing, bird watching and nature walks. After retiring from an accomplished career at Stanford University as the Assistant Controller she was able to continue her outdoor adventures as well as travel around the world.
One of the places Judith was happiest was in her garden. Those who knew her best will remember her with garden gloves in one hand, and a trowel in the other. Judith loved to share her garden, too – gifting seed starts and bounty from her various fruit and vegetable plants. And it was more than a hobby for her. In 2001 she became a Master Gardener for the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources, where she educated people about eco-conscious and sustainable landscaping.
Judith was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. Her generous spirit was reflected in the many social and humanitarian causes she donated her time to, as well as the large gatherings she would host for special occasions and family gatherings.
Judith is survived by her husband, Ben Encisco; children, John “Skip” Yarborough, Lesley (David Slobodin) Yarborough and Andrew (Jody) Yarborough, Dave (Margi) Encisco, Dan Encisco, and Lisa Encisco; grandchildren, Lisa Kay Yarborough, John “Johnny” Yarborough, Reed Slobodin, Noah Dean Slobodin, Benjamin L. Encisco and Natasha A. Encisco; and by her great-grandchildren, John “LJ” Yarborough and Kylie Yarborough; siblings, Cherie (Jodie Hulden) Dean and George “Buzz” (Robin) Dean; nieces Caitlin (Martin Heaton) Kuhwald and Kelsey Dean; and many others. Judith is preceded in death by her parents, Albert Penton Dean (1954) and Genevieve (Howard) Dean Jelicich (2012), and step-father, Rudolph Jelicich (1999).
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 10 AM at Alta Mesa Funeral Home, 695 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Harris Campaign for President, the ACLU, or the American Heart Association.
Judith is going to be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was an amazing woman, wife, mother, friend and dedicated volunteer to causes she cared about.
I miss Judith. She was a wise, generous and kind friend.