Carol Antonia Gates Olney Dean, born May 31, 1948, died December 7, 2024, in Alameda California, with her daughter at her side. She is survived by her daughter, Natalie Devora, and stepson, William Scott Dean, as well as her granddaughter, Jewel Devora, step grandchildren, William Kyle Dean and Stephanie Ross, as well as step-great-grandchildren, Isolde and Charlie Ross, along with a wealth of other family members and friends.

The daughter of William and Sylvia Gates, Carol was a proud Alameda native. She attended Washington Elementary School, now Maya Lin School. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Notre Dame High School, going on to attend and graduate from Holy Names College, where she studied Physical Science with a Chemistry emphasis. In 1978, Carol decided to pursue a master’s degree at San Francisco State University in Education Administration and Leadership.
Carol dedicated her life to making a difference. She shared her love of mathematics and science through teaching. She began her teaching career at Oakland Technical High School. Later she taught, and was Dean of Students, at Castlemont High School. She spent the last sixteen years of her career at Holy Names High School.
Carol was known for her adventurous spirit, generosity and kindness to others. She was a mentor, a champion, and an amazing friend. She believed everyone deserved to have their dreams become reality.
A celebration will be forthcoming in early 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family invites people to make a donation to Guide Dogs for the Blind or the East Bay SPCA.