Deann Viebranz

Deann L. Viebranz (Vie) 61 years old, passed away February 15, 2024, in her Jackson Township home. She transitioned peacefully with grace and dignity with her soulmate and most trusted companion, Rebecca, by her side. 

Deann was born June 30, 1962, to Donald, Sr., and Bonnie Viebranz. This special little girl grew up living her best life! She was born to succeed and excel, which she certainly did. She was a fierce young athlete and competitor. She was a 1980 graduate of Lake High School where she excelled in academics and sports. She was inducted into the Lake High School Hall of Fame for her athletic achievements. After high school, Deann attended college at The University of Akron on a full ride scholarship. She received her bachelor's degree in education and excelled in both basketball and softball. She was inducted into the University of Akron Sports Hall of Fame both individually and part of the teams she played on. 

After college, Deann taught Mathematics at Southeast Junior High School until her retirement. 

Deann was a “Life” enthusiast who enjoyed going to concerts, country music and especially ABBA! It did not matter what song was on the radio… from R&B to gospel, she knew every word of every song. She also enjoyed Dragon boat racing and riding motorcycles. Her Can Am was her pride and joy! She loved to travel and visited many different countries around the world, multiple times. One of Deann’s favorite pastimes was building anything and everything Lego! She loved spending time with family and friends. 

Deann was a member of the Springfield Fellowship Church, FOP Lodge #6 and The Dragon Dream Breast Cancer Support Group. 

Deann was always a fierce competitor and her toughest fight started in 2008 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2012, she was told her cancer had entered stage 4, metastasizing to her bones and liver. At that time, she was told she might have at most 2 years to live. The fighter came out in Deann! Living life to its fullest, the motto she lived by was “3P”; Pills, Prayer, and Positive Attitude. She joined a cancer support group known as the Dragon Dream Team and made it her mission to bring awareness to this disease. 

Along with her DDT teammates, she did interviews with local news channels 19 and Fox 8, as well as Good Morning America. 

To the Dragon Dream Team: I want to give a heartfelt thank you for all you did for Deann. This sisterhood is real! You were there for her when she needed you most! Your constant support with meals, yard work, calls, text messages, visits, building Lego’s or puzzles with her, healing hands… you were there every step of the way!

Thank you to her nephew, Brock and brother, Danny. Your visits every week meant so much to Deann and she really looked forward to them!

Thank you to Dawn Young… Deann’s hospice nurse for taking such good care of Deann. 

Because Deann impacted the lives of so many, her legacy will be generational. She was humble, polite, graceful and an inspiration! Her heart overflowed with love and compassion. She had such an infectious smile! 

One of her dragon boat sisters… Dorothy, said it best. “Deann has shown us how to live and how to die. She has done it with kindness, strength, perseverance, faith, and dignity. She has been an example for all of us.”  

Deann is preceded in death by her parents, Donald Sr and Bonnie Viebranz and her best friend, Carol Higy.  She is survived by her wife, Rebecca; siblings Donny, Danny, and Dana; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

For those of you who loved and adored Deann…. I leave you with this... Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dragon Dream Team in honor of Deann.

You can donate online at www.dragondreamteam.org or mail a check to Dragon Dream Team, PO Box 26606, Akron, OH 44319.

Calling hours will be held 10:00am – 12:00pm with services to follow on February 24, 2024 at Springfield Fellowship Church, 830 Ewart Rd., Akron, Ohio.  Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com

Heritage Cremation & Burial Society

(330) 875-5770