Dena Anderson

A photo of Dena Anderson

Service:

A private memorial service will take place at a later date.

Dena Harriett Anderson (nee DeGelas) passed away peacefully on November 19, 2017 in her 60th year at the Chatham-Kent Hospice with her family and friends at her side. Dena was born July 1, 1957 in Chatham to the late Helen Margaret King (2014) and the late Franklin Theodore DeGelas (2016). Dena is survived by her husband of 35 years Wayne Anderson and her twins- son Kyle Anderson, and daughter Kelley (Chris) Kirwan. Best Grammy to Koda, her grandpuppy. Loving sister to David, Duncan, Jeannie, and Amy DeGelas. Beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. Loving best friend to many.

Dena grew up in Blenheim and was the Blossom Queen at Blenheim District High School in 1976. During high school she worked at the Dominion Store. She spent many years playing softball and enjoyed running track. Dena worked for many years with CIBC at the Blenheim branch, assisted at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, and was the Assistant Returning Officer with Elections Canada and Elections Ontario.

Dena was an avid community volunteer with local schools, Blenheim Minor Hockey, Blenheim United Church, United Church Women, and an organizer with the Blenheim Ministerial Association’s Christmas Hamper Drive. Dena was an honorary member of the Catholic Women’s League, helping with the Lenten Lunches.

Dena was fond of cardinals, bracelets, sports, swimming, and camping. She spent many precious hours watching family and friends’ children play sports and loved every minute of it. Family, friends, and the Blenheim community meant everything to Dena. She will be missed greatly by all. Per Dena’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Family has requested donations be made in Dena’s memory to the Chatham-Kent Hospice and the London Health Sciences Centre.

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Jeannie and Amy so sorry about the loss of your sister,she was always a great person to me, always friendly when i saw her, keep her memories in your heart and i miss you two too! Love Bonnie MacGregor

Wayne and family, my deepest condolences. I only found out last night and was very saddened. I started to reminisce of the fond memories of playing fastball, and enjoying the weekend tournaments together. Truly enjoyable times. Take care, Sincerely, Randy

So sorry for the loss of Dena she was a great person, we will miss doing her hair and all the laughs we had through the years.

Wayne and Family. Deena was such a vibrant part of the Blenheim community. Her smile will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Neil Seney and Family

Wayne and Family; we were shocked and saddened on the passing of Dena. Hard to find words at this time. Prayers for comfort at this time. She will be missed by so many!

Heartfelt sympathies to Dena's family. Such a beautiful, kind and thoughtful person through and through.

WAYNE FROM ONE OLD CAT TO ANOTHER MY CONDOLENCE KEEP YOUR STICK ON THE ICE GARRY

So Sorry for your loss. Dena was an exceptional person and will be missed by many.

Blenheim has certainly lost a legend. Wayne, Kelly and Kyle - I am so sorry for your loss. Dena was a great woman, a true leader and supporter of all. She was someone that always made everyone feel welcome and like they were part of her family. She was well loved and respected by all that she touched during her time here. I have learned many valuable lessons while working with Dena and will never forget them or her. The lessons that she shared with all of us will never be forgotten and she will be deeply missed. Life in the Elections Office will certainly not be the same without her there laughing and offering support to each of us like she was great for. Paul and I are here for you if you ever need anything. Thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you.

So sorry Wayne and family...there are never the right words.

Very Sorry to hear of this. Prayers to the family.

From your friends at "the Pool", we send our deepest condolences. Your sister sounded like a super woman. Any one who liked cardinals is always great in my books......like my own Mother. Jeannie, keep all the good memories in your heart along with the love you have for your sister. PEACE. Jim and Connie

Our sincere condolences to Wayne & family , she will be missed immensely..... way too soon , our thoughts , sympathy and hugs xoxo bob& bj

Our deepest condolences to Wayne and all of your family. Dena will be missed as she was a beautiful person. She had an infectious laugh and kind heart. She was someone that was true to her beliefs and had a passion to help others. She was a great friend to my mother and her loss reminds me of that lost. She will be remember by all those that she has touched which will always be more than she would have ever known. God bless you and may your family find peace.

Wayne, Kelley & Chris, Kyle, Dave, Duncan, Jeannie and Amy, Sending our love and heartfelt condolences to each of you. We will always remember Dena's friendliness, her strength and her wonderful sense of humour. We feel so fortunate to have known Dena and we are so grateful for all she has done for the Blenheim community.

My condolences to the family.

So sorry for your loss .thoughts and prayers from the Rumbles Bill Erica Madison Carly Brogan

Wayne and family I am so very sorry to read about Dena. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

We are so sorry to hear of Dena's passing, we wish to express our condolences to you and your family at this time.. God Bless...

My deepest sympathies to you all. I did not know Dena but I have heard many wonderful things about her from my dear friend Jeannie. If half of them are true, heaven has surely gained an angel. My thoughts are with you all. God bless!

To the Degelas/Anderson families: Shocked and saddened to hear this news. I will always remember her for her smile and sense of humour! Always enjoyed life to its fullest.. thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Wayne and family, Our deepest sympathy on Dena's passing. Cherish your beautiful memories. David and Ruth Anne Frain

So very sorry to learn of Dena's passing.

Our sincere condolences for your great loss. It was always such a pleasure to run into Dena around town. She was always so friendly, outgoing and had such a contagious personality that you wanted to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sarah & Denver Reed

Wayne, Kyle and Kelly and the whole DeGelas family, We were so very sorry to hear of Dena's passing. We have many memories of Dena growing up, at school, at the ball diamond, at the arena, etc. Her friendly nature and out going personality were always evident during every encounter and she was great fun to have around. Her presence will certainly be missed by all but not easily forgotten. Sue and Henry

Another angel in heaven.

This is absolutely a heart breaking moment. Dena was like a second mom to our daughter Alicia who is best friend to her daughter, a friendship started at university. I met Dena 10 years ago. She came from Chatam to Windsor and took me around Windsor because I was visiting from Toronto. Jeannie and Kelley came as well. Then we meet again at Kelley's bridal shower and wedding in 2014. Our family feel the loss of Dena who we liked and respected very much. She won a place in our hearts and though over the years we didn't see each other, I would often ask Alicia our daughter how she was doing. If it's any consolation to the family, Dena lived a life that touched the hearts of so many. Everyone who came into contact with her felt a sense of friendship, genuine love, care and respect. I find it challenging to fully express myself because Dena was beyond what words can express. She was active, full of fun and a smile to warm any cold heart. She was involved in church and so many other activities. To the family, her siblings, especially Jeannie; husband Wayne; Kyle, Kelly, Chris, Koda and orher relatives, please accept our family's heartfelt sympathy. Gone really too soon. Look at Dena's Life, she packed 90 years of living in 60 years. God needed another Angel and he choose her. In mourning your loss, think of the difference she made in so many people's lives and just image how many hearts she will touch now that she is in heaven. You all now have a new guiding Angel who will watch over you. Continue to live your lives with love, passion and commitment. Live your life the way Dena lived, doing good and spreading joy to all she came into contact with. Live your life and make a difference. Dena will be in heaven watching down. We will continue to pray for your entire family so God give you all the strength and faith you need to see you through the difficult days ahead. God bless you all. Our heartfelt sympathy. Dena, you lived a life well lived, we are honoured to have spent time with you. Will forever keep those memories in our hearts. Thanks for taking care of Alicia like a daughter. Thanks for showing me around Windsor. I will forever remember all the times we spent together. Rest in Peace. Rest in Peace.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Dena - wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. I will always have fond memories of Dena at the bank when she worked with my mom.

AS I READ SO MANY CONDOLENCES....FEEL EVEN MORE SADDENED BY YOUR LOSS OF SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PERSON....R.I.P.

Wayne, and all of Dena's family: I am so very sorry to learn of Dena's passing. She was a force to be reckoned with, who's heart was as big as them come. I know she will be deeply missed by family and friends. I for one, will always remember her hearty laugh - when she laughed, you couldn't help but join her! I pray you find comfort in your wonderful memories together. Sincerely, Myra & Don Pettit and Shayna Taylor

I feel I have lost a very close friend. Dena made me feel so welcome when I first came to Blenheim. I will miss her hugs and smiles. So sorry , you have lost an amazing mom, wife, and gramma

We knew Dena from Wayne’s hockey teams. She was always friendly, lively and optimistic. She was a great friend. She impressed us with her stories and with her volunteerism. Dena will be missed dearly. We are so sorry. God bless her family.

There are no adequate enough to express our shock and sorrow. She was one of the most dynamic amazing woman I have ever had the chance to meet. Always so warm and friendly whether it was at one of the Lenten Lunches, the arena, or passing by on the street. Her absence will be felt through out the entire community. Keeping you in our thoughts as you journey through these sad days ahead.

Wayne, Kyle and Kelley ~ Kevin and I are so sorry for your loss. Dena was always so much fun to be around and her laugh was contagious! Keep her memories close to your heart. Take care, stay strong and God bless!

To Kelley and Jeannie: I'm truly sorry for your loss :-( and sending my love to the both of you and the rest of the family for your loss of a beautiful women. I love you ladies please stay strong for eachother. Love your good friend Lori Ogg xoxo

I am honoured and blessed to have known Dena. Remembering her wonderful smile and laughter will forever remain in our hearts. To Wayne, Kelly and Kyle, may the fond memories of Dena bring your comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

I’m so sorry to hear! Dena was such a fun lady! Always made us laugh at ball hockey! We will fondly remember her as an outgoing beautiful lady! Our prayers are with you all Wayne, kyle and Kelley❤️

So Sorry For Your Loss Of A wonderful mother, wife, sister she Will Be Missed

Wayne & family, so sorry to hear of Dena's passing. Losing someone close to you is never easy. We are thinking of you during this sad time. Larry & Joan

How can one ever express the warmth and love that your precious wife and mother brought to the community of Blenheim. She always brought a smile and shared much love and happiness to everyone she met and to the many organizations that she volunteered countless time to. What a loss! May you find comfort in your many beautiful memories. Ted and Brenda.

Your mom and wife was an amazing lady. She was always sure to say hello when met in public. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with all.

To Dena's family My sincerest sympathy thoughts and prayers for the loss of Dena She was a Full Spirited person and made everyone laugh and feel good She will be missed greatly! yours sincerely Terry Holmes

I was totally shocked when I heard of Dena's passing. We had been friends for years through our work, etc. My deepest sympathies to you Wayne and your families. Dena will be missed. Rose Kozlof-Clayton

I am so very sorry to hear of Dena's passing. Sincere condolences to all family and close friends. She will surely be missed by many.

This deeply saddens me to learn that Dena has passed. I am absolutely heartbroken. Dena and my mother Elizabeth Webster were roommates in the hospital. In that short time we were drawn to Dena and her whole family. We couldn't help but fall in love with ALL of them. I had good conversations with her daughter and her sister Jeannie, and Dena herself. She was such an inspiration. The strength she displayed after being dealt bad news on top of bad news, I believed in my heart that if there was anybody that could beat this... it would be Dena. What a dear family, we could feel the love so strong. In three short days we were together, I was drawn to them. My mother was admitted back to the hospital just yesterday, and we were talking about how fortunate she was last time to have been paired up with Dena and her family. My heart is broken and my mother will be crushed when I have to tell her. To all her family, I want to extend our deepest condolences. ((( hugs ))) from mom and I to you all. We love you's

Wayne and family, so sorry hear of Dena's passing. She was always so happy and positive and would always brighten up a room and bring smiles on everyone's face. She will certainly be missed in our community.

Wayne . Our sincere condolences to your family and the Degelas family. She will be missed.

Wayne and family, please accept our sincere condolences on the of Dena. May she Rest in Peace

Blenheim has lost a heart of gold. My deepest condolences to the ANDERSON/DEGELAS FAMILY.

Wayne, Kyle, Kelley & Chris. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. Hold on to all those precious memories. It was an honour to be considered Dena's friend. She touched so many lives.

Wayne and family, we are thinking of you at this sad time, Dena was loved by all she came in contract with. Our friendship came through with meeting during Dena's time working with Erieau and Erie Beach councils. Once a friend with her, always a friend. R.I.P.

To Wayne and family: Paula and I were very sorry to read about Dena. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Randy & Paula Aitken

Wayne, Kyle, and Kelly, we are so sorry to hear of Dena's passing. She was simply wonderful. Dena made the world a much better place. Our sincere sympathy to all the family.

Wayne, Kyle and Kelly, our family wishes to extend our deepest sympathies with the loss of wife and mom. I really got to see the person Dena was when she and Wayne coached our young son in baseball or rather encouraged him to just stand up and try to catch the ball. So much patience with that little boy and we did appreciate that. Then all the countless hours with minor hockey. Dena's contributions to this community will not soon be forgotten. Everyone knows she loved her hometown and tried to make it better for all. Rest in peace you sweet lady.

To All of Dena's family: We were shocked and saddened to hear of Dena's passing. It was just a few weeks ago that she "Welcomed" me (Roy), into the "60's" club..as she put it..then we compared our knee scars.. Dena will be greatly missed..

We are so sorry for your loss Wayne, Kelly and Kyle. She will be greatly missed by all. She brought such life into a room whenever she was around. Her joy and kindness will always be what we will remember about her. Our thoughts an prayers are with you

I will always remember Dena as such a happy, friendly and easy going person. Such a great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been fortunate enough to have known this wonderful lady!

Wayne, Kyle and Kelley, my heart felt condolences. I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless.

Roy Shawn Jess Matt and myself would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you Wayne Kyle and Kelly. We have great memories of Dena and your family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Our prayers and sympathies to you Wayne, Kyle, Kelly and Chris, and her siblings . Dena was a wonderful lady, who was loved by many of us. She will be missed.......Don and Anne Gammage

Wayne Kyle and Kelly and family, as well as Dave, Duncan Jeanie and Amy...We were neighborhood friends growing up and went to school together and talked to her whenever we crossed paths over the years. She was kind and caring woman and always happy-go-lucky . Her infectious smile an laugh was felt by anyone near her. May she rest peacefully and face no more challenging health issues. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Our Deepest Condolences . Barb (Jinkerson )and Charlie Cowell 70-Fourth St. Gowganda, Ontario P0J1J0

We are both shocked and saddened to hear about the lose of such a lovely person... Dena always had a smile when I saw her and always took the time to stop and ask how everyone in our family was... sincere condolences to Wayne and the family.. cherish your special memories

Wayne, Dave, Dunc, and all of Dena's family, I am so saddened to hear of Dena's passing. I remember her growing up in Irish town in Blenheim....it seems like yesterday. My sincere condolences to all of Dena's family during this very sad time....May she Rest in Peace.

This is a definite surprise. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Gonna miss this wonderful lady.

My condolences to the family, I’ve known Dena since she was a teenager , her bubbly nature always brightened up any room. She will be missed by many. Bonnie Regnier

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Wayne and family, sincere condolences on the passing of Dena - she was quite a lady and will be missed by the entire community - we have fond memories of Dena and the Blenheim Minor Hockey! God bless Murray, Justin & Jordan Hoffman

Very Sorry

Will remember Dena as a kind, giving, positive, bold woman. Superbowls won’t be the same. Condolences from Australia. Thinking of you Wayne, Kyle, Kelly and Chris.

Heartfelt condolences from Gayle & I. The arena will never be the same without her beaming face to say hello !!!

so sorry to hear about the loss Dena. The entire community will feel this loss as she was such an involved ,enthusiastic , positive person . Condolences to the family .

I am so sad by the loss of Dena. She was a wonderful person and will be missed so greatly. I loved every minute we played ball together and I think that must have been 20 years. I still see her coming to the games in early May wearing her mittens so her hands wouldn't be cold. and we always celebrated Dena Day in early July. I will miss her beautiful face at church on Sundays and all the things she did for her church, for all her volunteer hours and good deeds. And I will miss our chats at the arena every now and again when our paths crossed watching the same hockey game. Keep her love in your hearts. We are so sorry for your loss.

I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I’ve known Dena since I started dance with her daughter Kelly years ago. Such an amazing women. She will be deeply missed. Thinking of your entire family ❤️

We are shocked and saddened.