Rosalena A. DERY

Rosalena DERY Obituary

GLOUCESTER - Our loving Mother, Rosalena Andrade Denton Dery, passed into the arms of the Lord on Jan. 8, 2010, at the age of 82 after a short battle with cancer.
Rosalena was the born on Nantucket Island, Mass., on Jan. 2, 1928, and was proud to have been the first born on the island for that year. She grew up on Nantucket Island and New Bedford, Mass., and in 1945 married the love of her life, Ralph Derr Denton Jr. (Ducky) and they moved to Virginia. She married Raymond A. Dery in 1984.
Rosalena was predeceased by her parents, Isabelle and Joseph Andrade; her brothers, Joseph and Alfred Andrade; sister, Isabelle Lawrence; her husbands, Ralph Derr Denton Jr. and Raymond A. Dery.
Rosalena attended parochial schools on Nantucket and in New Bedford and Rappahannock Community College. She worked at Langley Field during and after WWII, Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. She belonged to and volunteered at Abingdon Jr. Women's Club, The Sebena Club, The Theresians, York River Yacht Club, The Coast Guard Auxiliary, The Peninsula Fine Arts Center and Guild, The Mariner's Museum and the Watermen's Museum.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who leaves behind many wonderful memories of her gentle guidance and spunky humor. A very spiritual and devout person, she attended St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, Yorktown, Va., and St Therese Catholic Church, Gloucester, Va.
Rosalena is survived by her children, Ralph Derr Denton III and wife, Kathleen of Virginia Beach, Va., Tina D. McManus of Bena, Va., James D. Denton and wife, Pamela of Newport News, Va., and Margaret D. Cramer and husband, Brian of Indian Trail, N.C.; grandchildren, Ralph D. Denton IV, David J. Denton, Katie M. Denton, Philip J. (Jay) McManus III, Scott R. McManus, Keith A. McManus, Christopher A. Denton, Nicholas A. Cramer and Joseph A. Cramer; great-grandchildren, Taylor Denton, Joshua Williams, Larkin Denton, Aiden McManus, Adrianne McManus, and Ian Yarkey. Her companions, Skipper and Tigeer and many, many friends.
A Funeral Mass officiated by the Rev. Michael Joly will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.
In memory of our beloved mother, contributions may be given to: The Waterman's Museum, P.O. Box 531 Yorktown, VA 23690; or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Virginia Chapter, 27 W Queens Way, Suite 301, Hampton, VA 23669; or Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 9, Bena, VA 23018. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

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Published by Daily Press from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosalena DERY

8 Entries

Missy Gamache-Correlle

January 13, 2010

Dear Sonny, Tina, Jimmy and Margaret,
I have been reading Rosie's Guest book entries and all I can think about are the good 'ole days and all the wonderful adventures we had. I used to think the way Rosie said "horses" with her New England accent was so funny and now, I've been living in Boston for over 20 years and when I saw Rosie 2 years ago and she said "horses" I just laughed and laughed. It sounded so wonderful to my ears. I truly thought your Mom was the "cat's pajamas". And the last time I saw her 2 years ago, I knew that I had been right all along...she was the "cat's pajamas" all right. Love you guys. Wish I lived closer so I could say goodbye to Rosie properly.

Pete Shepherd

January 12, 2010

Ralph, Tina, Jimmy and Margaret,
So sorry about your loss. What wonderful memories I have of all of us growing up and how our Mom's were our rocks !! I did not receive the news until this afternoor otherwise I would have been there for ya'll. I would like to come by and see you soon. My heart goes out to each one of you. Peace be with you.
Pete

Michele Dawson-Oliver

January 11, 2010

Dear Margaret and family,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many memories of Rose and company at St Terese. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask.

Michele Dawson Oliver

Missy Gamache-Correlle

January 11, 2010

Dear Sonny, Tina, Jimmy & Margaret,
I'm so sorry to hear about Rosie's passing. I have so many fond memories of her when we were kids playing on the York River. She was the most
"happy-go-lucky" person I ever knew and I don't remember many moments of anger from her and that's saying a lot, b/c I think when we were all together, as kids, we might have been a handful, don't you?? In time, you will remember all the good times and realize you were truly blessed to have spent time here on earth, with such a happy, loving person. God Bless you all! Love,

Jeanne & Bob Buffum

January 10, 2010

To the Denton & McManus families and other friends,

So sorry for your loss. I loved Mama Rose dearly and will miss her terribly. Thanks be to God that we have our Hope in Him. Will treasure the memories and the last visit with her always.

In Christ's Love,

Woody Rowe

January 10, 2010

The living testimony of Mrs. Denton’s life is the fruit that remains in her children. She not only faithfully served and survived two husbands but reared four children that bear the marks of her personality and excellent character traits. When I was in elementary school I can remember my mom dropping me off at the old home place on the York River. I can still recall Mrs. Denton’s warm reception and loving care for us. Later in high school as Jim and I continued to play together (not always in the right way) Mrs. Denton was still an example of grace always wanting to see the best in us…no matter how bad we had acted…and we did act bad at times (especially Jim). In my adult years I remember her still unchanged in the loving manner and gracefulness that she carried herself.
She is now in the presence of the Lord relieved of all pain and suffering. I know that she is in Paradise bragging on her children and thanking God for the favor that He has shown her in her family.
Few people on the face of this earth had a mother as loving and compassionate as you. I share in your mourning but also celebrate the victory that she gained as she now walks freely in the Kingdom of Heaven. Our love and deepest sympathy to you all.

The Rowe’s: Woody (Hugh’s boy), Ingrid, and family. Brighton, Michigan

Chuck & Phyllis Harris

January 10, 2010

To The Denton & McManus families & All of Those Blessed to be a Part of Rose's Family,

Our hearts are sad for your loss of such a wonderful example of love and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Chuck & Phyllis Harris

Jon & Pam & Celeste Gamache/Crumpler

January 10, 2010

We were so very saddened to hear of Rosie's death...but thankful that we got the chance to see her one last time before she passed. She was inspiring with her courage, looking still for the future in the face of her own death...she is a true testament to how all of us as Christians should face death! She was so joyous and at peace! She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!

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