HomePublicationBurbankDeath of Former Providence High School Principal Announced

Death of Former Providence High School Principal Announced

First published in the Feb. 26, 2022, print issue of the Burbank Leader.

Sister Lucille Marie Dean, a former principal of Providence High School and a Sister of Providence for 67 years, died on Feb. 18, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 86.

The Sisters of Providence, an international Catholic women’s organization, announced Dean’s death this week. The longtime classroom teacher and school administrator was principal of Providence High School from 1986 to 2005, and in 2004 received the Burbank Woman of the Year award from the local Zonta Club.

“Sister Lucille was a woman of deep spirituality, vision, humility, patience, wisdom, collaboration and grace,” said the Sisters of Providence, adding that she worked in education in Burbank since 1955. “Anticipating what lies ahead and approaching it with courage and determination in ministries as a classroom teacher, a school administrator and in leadership roles.”

Under her leadership and with the active collaboration of parents, the organization explained, Providence High School began their medical and cinema focus programs, the former in collaboration with Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. Later, the school also added a technology focus program as well. During her tenure, Providence High School in Burbank was also designated as a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education in 1988.

Dean was born in Seattle in 1935, according to the Sisters of Providence, and received elementary schooling from the organization. In 1954, shortly after graduating high school, she entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Providence at Mount St. Vincent in Seattle. She later received a bachelor of arts degree in education and history from the College of Great Falls, now the University of Providence, in 1963 and a master’s in education/curriculum and instruction from the University of Oregon in 1971.

“Sister Lucille was rarely idle and leaves an enriching legacy,” the Sisters of Providence said. “Throughout her life, and as a woman of faith, Sister Lucille always gave thanks for where Providence led her.”

A public memorial and reception will be held at Providence High School on April 10 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Providence High School or to the University of Providence of Great Falls.

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