Congratulations on 25 Years of Covenant Companionship
Dena was born in Indianapolis, IN, and grew up with three brothers. Thanks to a dad who believed in equal opportunities, she was just nine years old when she rode her first minibike—a passion for riding she still enjoys today. That active spirit sparked a lifelong love of sports, from youth basketball and softball to hiking and cycling as an adult.
Dena was attracted to the helping professions and assisting troubled youth after graduating from Marian College (IN) with a double major in psychology and criminal justice. She began her career in residential childcare where she met her future wife, Valli. They have been together for 36 years, and the couple celebrated the “unexpected joy” of marriage in 2016 following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision.
Her next career move took her to AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist (IN) where Dena shared an office with Sister Sylvia. She praised Sylvia as a great teacher, showing compassion to ostracized people in pain. Over time Dena met Sisters Bea, Gabe, Florence, Clare, and Trish. Dena loved these women and their values and became interested in covenant companionship. “I felt their unwavering support and a sense of community that I had not experienced before,” she explains.
Dena enjoyed her varied career moves, including trained carpenter, case manager for the aging, and building safety and weatherization. In all cases, she strove to treat people with dignity and help them age in place. Even in her downtime, she’s the neighbor/friend ready to help with a home repair or estimate review.
“The community’s charism is strong and goes beyond Wheaton. We can be creative with our digital connectivity to keep doors open and hope alive.”
Dena and Valli are loving aunts, great-aunts, and even great-great aunts to nieces and nephews who have provided great joy and wonderment. Dena also lovingly cared for her mother during the final three years of her life. “I walked her home in a sense,” Dena reflects. “I’m grateful to have shared that time with her and was blessed each day by her amazing smile and loving presence.”
Reflecting on covenant companionship today, Dena says, “The community’s charism is strong and goes beyond Wheaton. We can be creative with our digital connectivity to keep doors open and hope alive.”
Congratulations and thank you, Dena, for your lifelong commitment and relationship with the Wheaton Franciscan community!
Congratulations, Dena. We are so blessed that you are a part of our lives. I loved getting to know you better in the write-up of your story.
With care,
Sr. Theresa
Dear Dena,
Always a joy to celebrate you! You are authentic, compassionate and loving! I celebrate your life and service!! Always indebted to you for home-making our Archival work table. I’m sure Kevan is loving it as much I did! As in making the work table, so in your life, you built in the needs of the user. You materialize love and care. Thank you for being faithful to all of us these 25 years. I always value your input and reflections.
Love you, girl,
Jeanne G
We are so honored to have known you these past 25 years and look forward to continuing to grow in love for both you and Valli as we continue to share life’s journey into the future. You are so special, Dena. Your love, gentleness and true concern for others is felt by all who know you. You will always be an integral part of our lives and we are honored to call you and Valli friends, sisters and valued companions on the journey. We celebrate this jubilee year with you “with gusto.”
Bea and Sylvia