Mrs. Dena Marie Leary

Leary, Dena Marie, age 87 of Wind Lake passed away peacefully January 09, with her loving family by her side at Creekside Manor in Oak Creek. Dena was born to Daniel and Marcella (nee: Marana) Haglund May 19, 1934, in Hermansville, MI. Dena was raised and went to school in Norway MI and after graduating from Norway High School met the love of her life in Raphael Michael Leary at a social gathering. After their engagement Dena and Raphael would be married June 07, 1958, at St. Mary’s in Norway MI. Dena and her husband would move to Milwaukee, before building there forever home in Wind Lake in 1965 where they lived and raise their family for over fifty years. Dena worked as a teacher’s aide for Lake View Elementary in Wind Lake until her retirement. Dena liked going to Potawatomi to play bingo and loved to vacation in Las Vegas, and many other activities, but all of these would be second to the love she had for her family. Dena loved to make people happy and had an endless smile, she will be dearly missed by family, friends and other relatives.
Dena is survived by one daughter Diane (Steven) Hotkowski; three grandchildren: Katharine, Ian and Thomas, other nieces, nephews, relative and many friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Raphael and two sons: Shawn and Daniel.
A visitation for Dena will take place at St. Clare Catholic Church 7616 Fritz Rd Wind Lake Saturday January 15th from 10-11:45 AM and Mass of Christian Burial starting at 12 PM and burial to follow at St. Thomas Cemetery in Waterford. In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy the family suggest memorials to St. Clare Catholic Church.
The family would like to send a heartwarming thank you to Allay Hospice and Creek Side Manor for the loving care and compassion of Dena in her time of need and a special thank you to Patti Bowen for her friendship, compassion and guidance.


Mealy Funeral Home
225 W Main St
Waterford, WI 53185
(262)534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com