Shrewsbury- Evelyn Rose (Sansoucy) Dean, 89, a long-time Shrewsbury resident, passed away on Sunday, January 13, after an illness. Her loving husband of 59 years, Paul P. Dean, died in 2006.

Evelyn’s parents immigrated from Quebec province, Canada. Born in Worcester, Evelyn attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School. She spent most of her formative years in Westboro, graduating from Westboro High School in 1941. Many fun-filled days were enjoyed at her grandfather’s farm on Francis Ave in Shrewsbury.

After high school graduation, Lynn became a secretary at Bay State Abrasives in Westboro. She later served as a medical secretary at Westboro State Hospital.

Two of Evelyn’s great passions were horseback riding and caring for animals. She taught riding to many eager students, including comedian Tony Randall. Throughout her life, Evelyn rescued and raised numerous dogs, cats, and wild creatures. She instilled this enduring love for animals in each of her children and grandchildren.

Evelyn was a member of the “Greatest Generation.” Growing up during the Depression and coming of age during WWII, she developed a strong set of traditional values that were the foundation for a life dedicated to loving and giving to others. An early expression of this dedication was volunteering to sing and dance for the troops as a proud member of the USO.

Above all, Evelyn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who gave an abundance of love and joy to family and friends alike (and she really loved to talk!). Evelyn leaves her loving children, Jonathan P. Dean of Shrewsbury and Sharon E. (Dean) McGregor of Concord, Sharon’s husband Gregor I. McGregor and two precious granddaughters, Margaret and Grace McGregor, also of Concord. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to husband Paul, Evelyn was predeceased by her precious infant son Gary P. Dean, her big brother Horace “Sans” Sansoucy, her adored sister Vivian (Sansoucy) Long, and her cherished parents Horace and Eva (Grenier) Sansoucy.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, January 18th, from 4-7 PM in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Evelyn’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 19th at 10 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in the family lot in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the animal welfare organization ASPCA (online at https://donate.aspca.org, or by mail, ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128-6804