Dede Wingender Hall died Monday, August 3, 2026, in Chapel Hill, NC. She was 76.

A real estate broker, world traveler, and bon vivant, Dede loved Bridge, Michelin Star dining, and Oscar-worthy films. She is remembered as a mother and grandmother, the life and host of the party, a person who lived through much medical adversity, and whose generosity of spirit earned her a broad and deep group of family and friends.

Dede passed away after a brief illness, which followed a magnificent trip to New York City. Her passing was sudden, but her friends and family take solace in the fact that she lived a full and fabulous life.

Born December 29, 1949, in New York City to Philip Wingender and Bettye Chapman, Dede grew up in Waynesboro, Virginia, in a household of strong women. She completed her undergraduate degree at Pfeiffer College and later received a Master of Arts in Romance Languages and a Master of Library Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She began her career as a foreign language teacher, but her love of books and art led her to become a manager at the Intimate Bookstore in Chapel Hill, where she built a close-knit group of lifelong friends.

Dede loved helping people. Her devotion to bringing joy to the people around her led her to a 40-year career in real estate. She supported hundreds of families through the challenges and joys of changing homes, and she found great meaning in being a member of the REALTOR community. In her retirement, Dede strengthened her love of card games, great movies, and book club discussions over lunch.

Dede is survived by her son, Garrett Hall, and son-in-law Zachary Howell, and her three grandchildren, EJ, Clark, and Reece Hall-Howell. She is also survived by her cousin, Valerie Shelley, three stepchildren, Anne Lynch, Maureen Kösters, and David Lynch, whom she adored. She is predeceased by her former husband, father of Garrett, and lifelong friend, Robert Hall.

Dede requested that her remains be scattered both in Chapel Hill and Nice, France, where she often traveled and enjoyed many meals and museums.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 1, at University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill beginning at 4:00 PM followed by a reception at The Carolina Inn. 

The family requested memorial gifts be made to Playmakers Repertory Theatre in Chapel Hill.