Obituary of Kathleen O. Denegre

CHESHIRE- Kathleen O. (Rodican) Denegre, 84, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Midstate Medical Center, Meriden, CT.

She was born May 17, 1933 in New Haven, CT., daughter of the late Andrew J. and Ellen (O’Brien) Rodican. She graduated from Hillhouse High School, and after raising four children, she graduated from Southern Connecticut State University, magna cum laude.  She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Psychology.

She was employed by the Southern New England Telephone Company, the American Cancer Society, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut, from where she retired.

Kathleen was predeceased by four sisters, Mary E. Rubino, Patricia C. Rodican, Eileen R. McNally and Winifred R. Sullivan; three brothers, John Rodican, Andrew “Joe” Rodican and James Rodican; a daughter, Ellen M. Pardee; and a grandson. 

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Joseph Denegre; her two sons Joseph and his wife Cecelia Denegre of Philadelphia, PA, and James Denegre and his wife Terry Hayamizu of Bar Harbor, ME;  her daughter Louise and her husband Tarik Tosun of Chatham, NJ; and many nieces and nephews.  She was the loving grandmother of three granddaughters, Adriana Tosun, Caitlin Denegre and Lucy Denegre; and two grandsons, Andrew Denegre and Robbie Denegre.

Kathleen was an avid reader, and volunteered for many years at Meriden Hospital and Elim Park Baptist Home in Cheshire, CT.  Many happy summer weeks were spent on Cape Cod and Mt. Desert Island, ME, with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed her retirement years traveling with her husband to many locations, including Florida, California, Hawaii, England, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and numerous trips to Italy, as well as crossing the country six times.

Arrangements - A service for Mrs. Denegre will be held 11:30 A.M, Monday, October 2, 2017 at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St, 06410. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Wallingford Road, 06410. Calling hours will be held the morning of the funeral from 10 A.M until the service starts at 11:30 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, 267 Finch Avenue, Meriden, Connecticut 06451.