Dena Defend
elevated JkUW4 December 5, 1930 – September 23, 2024
elevated JkUW4 Visitation
Friday, October 4, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated JkUW4 Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated JkUW4 Funeral Mass
Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated JkUW4 Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery – Section 14
elevated JkUW4 Reception
elevated JkUW4 Following Interment at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated JkUW4 Obituary
elevated JkUW4 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dena Defend (nee Braida). Loving mother of Loretta Defend (Joe), Angela D’Alessio (the late Tony) and Teresa Tresnak (Randy). Proud and loving Gramma to Nicole (Stephen), Jessica (John), Jennifer (Matthew), Peter, Emily and Anthony. Great Grammy to Mackenzie and Oakley. Reunited in Heaven with her husband Peter Angelo Defend, parents Abele and Agnes Braida, brothers Leno Braida, Aldo Braida, Raymond Braida, sister Mary Murray and son-in-law Tony D’Alessio. Survived by sister in laws Ledia Braida, Patricia Braida and brother-in-law Frank Murray, nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Acton, Ontario, Dena left Acton to pursue an education attending McMaster University to earn a degree in teaching. She left the teaching profession to raise a family and during that time worked alongside her husband in his Consulting Engineering & Contracting business. She returned to the profession after his passing in 1976. She retired after many fulfilling years of teaching from the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Dena was a woman who cared deeply for her family. Her love, support and kindness taught us all how to be better people. The void she leaves is immeasurable. She will forever be in the sun that shines and the gentle breeze that blows.
elevated JkUW4 “My mind is at peace and my soul at rest”.
elevated JkUW4 In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The Canadian Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Research or The Kidney Foundation of Canada.
My sincere condolences to the Defend Family. It’s always so difficult to say goodbye, yet in having faith in the lord sets us apart in knowing that you will all meet again one day. My thoughts, and prayers are with you. RIP Dena. 🙏🏻
A beautiful lady who left a legacy of kindness and love for her family and all she encountered. She will indeed be missed by those who loved her.
What a beautiful tribute to her, and to her life well lived, Rest in Peace always. Our sincerest condolences to all the family. Love and hugs the Zirnhelt family.
Beautiful obituary for a beautiful person. Thinking of you all.
I had the honour of being part of the primary staff at
St. Bernard with Dena. I remember how kind and considerate she was with the children and with the staff. It is with the deepest sympathy that I offer my condolences to her girls and their families. During this difficult time, may the many memories you created with her be cherished and bring you peace.
Sending deep love and heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your mother and grandmother. The way she was spoken about reflected so much of the wonderful, loving and family-focused person she was. That legacy has clearly been passed onto her children and grandchildren who reflect her love in their hearts. Deepest condolences.