Janet E. Dean

Janet Erna Dean (Baumbach) peacefully passed into heaven on the early morning of October 15, 2026. She was surely serenaded in by her husband of 56 years, Paul Dean. Also waiting, her dearest brother David Baumbach, her loving parents Erwin and Pearle Baumbach, in-laws Joseph and Vera (Tootie) Dean, and some of her favorite friends and family.

Her 56 years of marriage to her beloved husband, Paul, gave her a full life with two children, Carrie Beth Bramlett and Bryan. A wonderful son in law, Elic, and the lights of her life, Pearle and Theodore, were to follow. Paul’s sister, Mary Kay (George) Anderson, and brother, Patrick (Janice) Dean, brought along even more family for her to love: nephews and nieces, Scott Anderson, Patrick Dean Jr, Elliott Dean, and Andrew Dean, Katie Goldsmith and Katrina Anderson, their spouses and children. She will also be greatly missed by her grand-pups, Alphonso, Mandy, and Ruthie.

Janet - “JD”, Momma, Meemie, Janie D, meant the world to so many. She treasured making memories: Every little, and every long phone call. Every bowl of caramel corn and every Christmas cookie. She was always Dad’s prettiest first mate with the best seat on the boat. Our family loved her SO, and she took care of us all.

She wore her Boro plaid like a badge of honor. Her “Let’s Go - Boro” was unmatched. A staple of Edinboro University for over 40 years, and the Edinboro community as a whole. If you didn’t know Janet Dean, you probably hadn’t spent much time in Edinboro. Her beautiful life reached so many, with valuable friendships and fellowships.

Janet graduated from Pittsburgh’s Langley High School in 1965 and went on to study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she met Paul, on a weekend leave from the Navy, on a blind date! They were married in Pittsburgh in December of ‘68. After Navy life in Virginia Beach, while Paul served in Vietnam, they made their way to Edinboro for Paul to attend school. Janet began working at the former Edinboro State College as the Assistant to the President’s Secretary. She retired as the Vice President of Human Resources in 2011. In between, she met the dearest friends of her life and raised her children to love the Boro, too! We avidly cheered on men’s and women’s basketball and football, and attended every Homecoming. She was famous for inviting the players over for meals and holidays! Edinboro has been “home” for the Deans for 55 years.

A longtime member of the congregations at Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh during her youth, and later in life at Edinboro United Methodist Church. A member in Shadbush women’s group, a board member of Sarah Reed, loyal player in several card clubs, a true Steelers fan, a dependable neighbor in her tight-knit neighborhood, and an avid swimmer at the Legion pool.

Janet was a beloved wife, momma, meme, sister, aunt, and friend. Her courageous and stubborn spirit will forever inspire us. She is already so deeply missed, but her memory will be forever etched in our hearts.

Janet’s family would like to thank nurse Dani of AHN St Vincent Hospital. We simply couldn’t imagine going through those final days without Dani by our family’s side. We’re grateful for her compassion, wisdom, and support.

Please join us to celebrate Janet- “JD” at Edinboro United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 1p.m., followed by a reception at The Rambler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Edinboro University Foundation, Dean and Baumbach Family Scholarship, 210 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444, or online atwww.edinboro.edu/donate.This memorial scholarship, established 25 years ago in honor of Uncle Davey, now also honors Janet and Paul Dean. It is awarded to a deserving Pittsburgh public school student attending Edinboro University.

The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro is entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences, please sign the Guestbook below.