Donatina DiPersia

Donatina "Dena" (Monopoli) DiPersia, 89, of Worcester died peacefully Sunday September 29, 2013 in the Christopher House surrounded by her loving family. Her beloved husband Joseph J. DiPersia died February 1, 2005. "Dena" leaves her devoted family; a daughter Rosanne DiPersia of Boulder, CO., four sons; Joseph DiPersia Jr. and his wife Stacy of New York City, John DiPersia of Southport, CT., Michael DiPersia and his wife Deborah of Amherst N.H. and Peter DiPersia and his wife Karen of Belle Mead N.J. Dena was the doting grandmother to eight grandchildren; Blaise, Alexander, Michael, Chase, Sofia, Vanessa, Gaetano, and Danielle. She also leaves three brothers; Peter Monopil and his wife Theresa, John Monopoli and his wife Carol, and Gaetano Monopoli and his wife Tina, all of Worcester, as well as many nieces and nephews, among them, her loving and devoted niece, Joanne Pannarelli. Dena was also, predeceased by her only sister Lena Kamyk Dena was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Natale and Grace (Pedone) Monopoli and lived here throughout her life. She was a graduate of Doherty High School. Dena worked at Denholm & McKay for many years, as well as for the State Unemployment Agency and later, for the City of Worcester from which she retired. In her younger years she also showed her creative side with her beautiful millinery. She volunteered many hours of her time at St. Johns Grammar School while her children were attending. Dena was a life communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann, a member of the Golden Years Club, The Women's Guild and the S.S. Madonna Addorlorata Ladies Society/Our Lady of Sorrows. Dena, along with Joe, were some of the most active and concerned members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, always there to help at church functions. You could always depend on her, especially at the Annual Church Fair. Dena had a great zest for life and was always her happiest when she was surrounded by her family. She loved to cook, bake and enjoyed traveling. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends but, her memory will continue to bring those who loved her, comfort. Dena's funeral will be held Thursday from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL 370 Plantation St with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00AM in the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann 24 Mulberry St. Calling hours will be held from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Wednesday. Interment will be with her husband in St. John's Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the building fund of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St. Ann Church 24 Mulberry St., Worcester, MA. 01604 or to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA.22312. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit Dena's Memorial Site atwww.mercadantefuneral.com =