Hollace Dean

Norwich — Hollace A. “Holly” Quinley Dean, 69, a longtime Norwich resident, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. Born in Norwich on Dec. 30, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Lee Alden and Janice Leona (Jackson) Quinley, and was the loving wife of Stephen M. Dean.

Holly attended Griswold High School and was a graduate of the New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing class of 1968. Upon graduating she began her career as a registered nurse working for the Woodstock Department of Health and last worked at the Norwich State Hospital. Her passion for retail led her to accepting a position at the Dress Barn in Norwich, where she quickly became an endeared member of the staff.

She loved reading, cooking and spending time at the beach, or poolside with the BBQ grill going. She loved to travel, especially when it involved a stay at a beachfront resort. As much as she loved the beach, her true passion in life was being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and treasured each moment spent with them. She was a special person who loved life and loved to laugh. A wonderful memory of her will live on in all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband, Steve, she is survived by her daughter, Jess (Olszewski) Fernandez and husband, Leo; three granddaughters, Alysia, Aleyka, and Alyksei Fernandez; stepdaughter, Laci Dean; close friend, Nancy Williams; and her closest and dearest friend, Elaine Gardner, whom she considered more a sister than a friend.

A graveside service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the Poquetanuck Cemetery, Route 2-A, Preston.

In lieu of flowers, Holly’s wishes were to benefit her granddaughters’ love of dance at Luis Pabon Dance Arts Centre in Taftville, CT. Checks can be sent to the studio payable to: A. Fernandez, 51 Starr St., Norwich, CT 06360 with reference to: LPDAC.

The Woyasz & Son Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.