Deanna Avon "Dee" Warren

Deanna Avon Warren, known lovingly as "Dee," passed away on December 6, 2024, at Firelands Community Hospital at the age of 79. Born on July 9, 1945, in Port Clinton, Ohio, to Keith and Ida (Bass) Zwerman, she was a lifelong resident of the area. Dee attended Port Clinton High School and spent her life devoted to family, faith, and service.

Dee married her beloved husband, James C. Warren, in 1963. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love and adventure. Married for 61 years, their bond was a testament to their unwavering love and commitment. During James' service in the United States Navy, they lived in five different states, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. When Jim retired from the Navy, they returned to Marblehead, Ohio, where she dedicated her life to raising her children and taking care of her extended family.

A devoted homemaker, Dee enjoyed many hobbies, including quilting, reading, gardening, and volunteering. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Danbury. At St. Paul’s she was a past member of the council, served on the Altar Guild, and spent many years as the coordinator for bereavement meals. Currently she served as the secretary of the WELCA and was an active member of the Pins and Needles group that created beautiful quilts and blankets that were donated to area agencies.

Dee also enjoyed exercising at the YMCA in Fremont. She had a special bond with her sisters and brother. She cherished spending time with them. She often said that Sunday family dinners at her daughter’s house was her favorite restaurant. These cherished gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, and card games, creating memories that brought everyone closer together.

Dee’s life was spent serving others and seeing to the needs of those around her. She never met a stranger, accepted others without judgment, and loved unconditionally. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love were hallmarks of her character, and her legacy will continue in the lives she touched.

Deanna is survived by her husband, James; her children, Perry (Lei) Warren, Christina (Michael) French, and daughter-in-law, Kari Reed; her beloved grandchildren, Cassandra Warren (daughter of Keith and Margaret Warren), Seth French, Mason (Yanyao) French, Ezekiel French (sons of Michael and Christina French), Emi Steelman, and Dream Stellman (daughters of Perry and Lei Warren); and her siblings, Jim Zwerman, Alice Masterson, Kim Humphrey, Terry (Dan) Mautz, Tammy (Mark) Coppeler, and Robin (Brian) Beck. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Ida Zwerman, and her son, Keith C. Warren, who passed away in 2021.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 541 Church Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be served at the Catawaba Island Club beginning at 1:00 PM following the services.

Let her passing be a gentle reminder to cherish your loved ones and let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Life is fleeting, and our connections are what truly matter. She will be missed, if you were lucky enough to know her love and her kindness, continue her legacy by sharing this love and kindness with others.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Dee’s honor be made to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Veterans Memorial Fund.