Janice Dean died on June 22, 2023.

Dean earned a degree in journalism from Indiana University, where she was an editor at the Indiana Daily Student. She had a passion in teaching and learning, earning a master's degree in education and teaching at Crown Point High School and Elkhart Memorial High School. She served as a newspaper, magazine, and yearbook advisor at both schools and was honored as Journalism Teacher of the Year by the Indiana High School Press Association. She was also named Elkhart Teacher of the Year twice.

Dean was appointed to the Elkhart Public Library Board, where she served for 13 years as president. She was the past president of the Four Arts Club. She was an Sunday School teacher and active member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church. During retirement, she mentored students in local schools.