This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Dean, O'Shee Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4328/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Las Cruces Sun News 18 May 2010 She got it right. Margaret Ida O'Shee Dean lived life her way, right up to her passing on May 14, at 85 years young. Growing up an asthmatic child of Patrick and Anna Aertker O'Shee in the swamps of Alexandria, Louisiana, "snatchin' 'gators with the boys," she dreamed of some day heading west, to drier air and. "fewer damn trees! Where a body can actually see farther than fifty yards. And no stinkin' kudzu creepin' all over everything!" As young women during WWII, she and older sister, Hazel, worked as Rosie Riveters at a war plant in Dallas, TX, assembling P-39 "Lightning" fighter aircraft, while younger brother John served in the military. Following V-J Day, and the subsequent termination of most of the U.S. female workforce, at the age of 22 she finally did head west. White Sands Proving Grounds hired her in 1947 as a clerk-typist, where she was fortunate enough to be part of the beginning of the "space race." As a WSMR pioneer, she was included in the 1985 PBS documentary "First It Fizzled, Then It Flew," sharing many (colorful) stories of the V-2 rocket tests, and her associations with notables such as Clyde Tombaugh and Vernher von Braun. Oh, yes, and while at White Sands, she also married the boss, Personnel Department chief Roy L. Dean. In 1952, and with a new baby girl in tow, they moved to Guam through the Civil Service, where Roy was again personnel officer. After a couple of escapade-filled years, they returned to the mainland for stints in Florida, Oklahoma and eventually back to Las Cruces and the home Roy had built with his own hands, in 1951. Craving more overseas adventure, they moved to Subic Bay Naval Base, Republic of the Philippines in 1967. During their three years' stay, Margaret and Roy visited Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guam, Thailand and Japan, as well as the many outlying South Pacific islands. Margaret worked in the production office of the motion picture "Too Late The Hero," becoming the friend and confidant of the starring actors, and later volunteered at the Subic Bay hospital, caring for the wounded soldiers serving in Viet Nam, only 800 miles away. Returning to the United States in 1970, Margaret helped found the Mesilla Valley Iris Society. Hybridizing over 600 iris varieties and as a test-garden for Schreiner's Gardens, her yard was always a breath-taking April showcase. "Queen of Show" awards became commonplace. Growing flowers and sharing her horticulture knowledge were her first loves. Her second were RVing and fishing throughout the western U.S., Canada and northern Mexico with Roy, when he retired in 1973. Having given away tens of thousands of cuttings and rhizomes, over the decades Margaret has spread beauty around the world. Throughout her travels and exploits, she saw and experienced most of it. Yep, she got it right. Survivors include daughter Melody Dean Groves and husband Myke, of Albuquerque, NM; granddaughter Erin Groves Montoya, husband Victor Ray and greatgrandsonsColton and Mykael of Anthony, NM; granddaughter Haley Groves Crawford and husband Adam, of Albuquerque, NM. Donations may be made to the Mesilla Valley Iris Society c/o Ann Colwell, 905 W. Taylor, Las Cruces, N. M. 88007. A celebration of life for both Margaret and Roy, who preceded her in 2002, is being planned for June 11, 2010. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.