Andrea "Andie" Fahrney Dean
Andrea (Andie) Fahrney Dean, 69, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, with her family by her side.
Andie, long-time resident of Grottoes, was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia on January 25, 1956, to the late Robert and RuthMarie (Jones) Fahrney. One of six children, she spent her formative years strolling Collicello Street, trailing behind her mother through Woolworth's, and doting on her younger siblings. In 1970, Andie married her spouse, Wesley (Wes) Dean, and together they welcomed their daughter, Lisa (Dean) Raynes in 1971. Andie and Wes' 54 years of marriage was a true testament to life-long love, as their family -- whether by blood or by bond -- grew exponentially.
In her lifetime, Andie loved deeply and broadly. She loved the simple things: reading (whether romance, drama, or even People magazine), the beach, flowers, and especially cooking. Her love for cooking and baking was an avenue to express her care for her family and friends, showering them with sweets and sustaining them with savory snacks -- and perhaps adding a few pounds on them along the way.
She also loved to care for others, spending over three decades of her life as a dental assistant for Dr. Broderson and then Dental Health Associates before retiring to serve her local community at Rockingham Park. Was her favorite show, General Hospital, a reality, one would have certainly found Andie there, saving each patient alongside Dr. Spencer.
Andie was never one to let illness define her. Instead, her legacy is defined by the relationships she formed with those around her. She had a quote pinned to her refrigerator: "One of the most important things in life is just to simply show up." True to her nature, Andie showed up for everyone. She showed up deeply in her grandchildren's lives, volunteering in their schools and serving in the Spotswood High School booster club for years. She showed up for her nieces and nephews, showering them with love on their weekend visits.
She showed up for her siblings, serving as the "glue" for family gatherings. She showed up for her long-time friends and the many new friends she made working concessions for Crossroads Cafe with Nicole, whose kindness knows no bounds. In return, she was forever grateful for those who showed up for her, including her "bestie," Amber O'Neil, and her "second daughter," Tammy Jenkins, who cared for her as family in the midst of her illness. Andie found joy in showing up for everyone and loved all her "children" -- regardless of blood relation.
Andie leaves behind her a legacy of love. Surviving in addition to her husband, Wes, is her daughter, Lisa (Chris) Raynes; two sisters, Aileen Crider and Jeanne Fahrney; three sisters-in-law, Angela (Dean) Allman, Sherry (Sensabaugh) Fahrney, and Katrinka (Yoder) Fahrney; two brothers, Robbie (Joan) Fahrney and Joe Fahrney; two grandchildren, Keeston Raynes and Macie (CJ Cruse) Raynes; two great-grandchildren, Hazel Cruse and Charlie Cruse; and numerous special nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruthmarie (Jones) Fahrney, and her brother, Stevie Fahrney.
A service celebrating Andie's life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at New Beginnings Church in Harrisonburg, VA. The celebration of life is open-house with limited space, so please consider arriving to honor Andie at any time during the celebration window.
Andie loved flowers but always felt that they were best left un-cut to protect their beauty. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes. Online condolences may be shared with the family at johnsonfs.com.
