Della Dean

Della Dean at the young age of 75 passed away on May 27th, 2026. She was the youngest daughter of Marcella and Nolon “Dick” Wilson and sister of brother Lyle who preceded her in death and is survived by brother Stanley and sister Barbara. She was born 2/2/51 in Ontario, Oregon and lived on the Oregon Slope until she was 15, when they moved to Forest Grove for a year. Her dad had been transferred there and passed away just as they moved. Her mom, sister, and she moved to Eugene, where she attended and graduated from South Eugene High School. The three moved to Springfield in 1969 and joined Northwood Christian Church that January – after they recouped from “the big” 4 feet of snow. 

After Della got her BS in education at the U of O, she had many jobs, and they were all with children. She taught preschool at St Mary’s in Eugene for 5 years. She then taught at Allison Pack Preschool for a year before taking a job with Hosanna, where she was their head teacher and co-director for 5 years. 

When they closed, Della took a few kids in for day care in her home as her first daughter was born. She continued doing day care at home as she raised her three daughters, Marcella, Tanya, and Barbara. 

When she became a single mom, she went to work as an EA in the Springfield School District as a sub. Within a year Della had a permanent job at Page Elementary School as a Title E.A. where she worked until she retired in 2024. After retirement, Della bought a house and property with her daughter Barbara and her partner David, along with adopted son Travis, where she lived with them and Tanya until her passing. 

Della had her ups and downs, but always landed on her feet. She loved family and get togethers and she loved all the time she could spend with her daughters. Game day meant being at her house in green and yellow yelling for the Ducks. Della loved going to the sporting events of her friends’ kids and loved cheering them on. 

She was known as a loving safe space to people who were blessed to be able to know her. Della had an open heart and wanted every person to know they are okay just as they are. She was always there to listen. She was quick to laugh and focus on the positive. She was given joy by making another person’s day brighter. She went out of her way to make others feel special and loved. 

Della wanted her family and friends to gather and remember the fun times. She wanted you all to sit, visit, and share memories. To laugh, smile, and go “yep, that was Della.”

Per her strict instructions, there will be no traditional, somber memorial service. Instead, the family will celebrate Della’s life at 3:30 on June 13th at Northwood Christian Church in Springfield. Please bring some of your favorite type of cookie in honor of the Cookie Queen and come prepared to share your funniest and happiest stories about her. 

The memorial service will be streamed live at - live.northwoodchristian.org Her parting words - Enjoy your life and remember – Della Loves you.