Johanna Dean was an avid cyclist who was tragically struck by a delivery van at the corner of Windmill Road and Albro Lake Drive in Dartmouth. A delivery truck was turning left and Ms. Dean was struck down and later succumbed to her injuries. She was a teacher at St. Catherine's Elementary School in Halifax.
There was a memorial ride and this ghost bike was placed in her honor. She was just 30 years old when the accident took place on May 21, 2014.
Johanna's obituary is reproduced below.
JOHANNA DEAN
In Memory of
Johanna Elizabeth Dean
July 6, 1983 - May 21, 2014
Obituary
Dean, Johanna Elizabeth - Was a beautifully charming, intelligently warm, vibrantly spirited, caring, and lovely young lady. She brought laughter and happiness to everyone she shared moments with.
She passed suddenly at an early age of thirty on a bright and sunny afternoon - May 21st. She did not suffer during her passing, she felt no pain. She passed doing one of her favorite activities, biking. We can all take solace in knowing she was happy during her final moments; I'm sure even day dreaming in the beautiful sun, moments before she passed. Upon her passing she was received into God's light and love by her father, John, and her two deceased grandmothers who were there to welcome her into the transition period of the afterlife with loving open arms.
Johanna believed wholeheartedly in an afterlife, guardian angels, spirit guides, messages and guidance from her deceased loved ones and the higher power connecting all of us. She will be in this transition time for three days from her passing but rest assured upon the third day she will be ushered into heaven as brightly and energetically as she lived here on earth. She hears our prayers and loving thoughts so please continue to talk to her. She is so happy to hear all of the nice things you have to say.
Johanna comes from a big loving family including Mother, Shirley Dean (Father, John - deceased) a twin sister Julie, older sisters Cherie (Michael Leigh), Jackie, and Kelly (Brian Kennedy); Nephew and nieces Christopher, Cailyn, and Kiera. They along with her friends and coworkers share many beautiful memories of her.
Along her path and journey here on earth she deeply touched people during her experiences in Brownies, Girl Guides, soccer with Halifax Dunbrack soccer club, cheerleading with starlite all-stars, and being a sister in her sorority Iota Beta Chi during university at Dalhousie where she studied Psychology; during her teaching studies at Acadia University, and at all of the schools where she has taught French immersion during her five year career.
She cherished each class she taught ending every year by saying "this class is the one I loved the best" and she meant it. She was a fantastic teacher who took so much pride in her work and gave so much of her energy and time to be the best teacher she could be. Her family and friends truly believe that she fulfilled her life's destiny while here in the physical world.
Whether her purpose was to be a integral member of a loving family, holding them together during both fun and tough times; to be such an inspirational and guiding sister to her twin who needed her so very much during a low time; to be a beautiful friend to so many who loved her positive energy; to be an affectionate and devoted mother to her pets Winnie and Winston; to be a fantastic and model worthy teacher to many years of deserving children.
Whatever her destined path was she completed it to God's fullest expectations. It may seem unfair to take such a beautiful person inside and out so early from earth, but it was her time. Please feel comfort in knowing we will all see her again when it is our turn to cross over.
From Dignity Memorial