Denise Anne "Grandma DeeDee" Hess' Obituary
Denise Anne “Grandma DeeDee” Hess (nee Walker), age 57, of Wakeman, passed away at her home, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, with the love-of-her-life by her side. She courageously battled cancer for 18 months.
She was born on February 20, 1959, in Lorain, and grew up Brownhelm Township. When she married her beloved husband on July 21, 1978, they moved to Wakeman, where they made their home. Denise was a 1977 graduate of Firelands High School. After high school, she focused on raising her children, and then later pursued her Master’s Degree in Education at Ashland University. She proudly taught social studies at Windsor Elementary School in Elyria for 20 years. With her years spent at Windsor Elementary, she established a recycling program there as well as a Veteran’s Day ceremony, which still continues to this day.
Denise is a member of Brownhelm United Church of Christ, in Vermilion. She is also happily a member of the “Bodacious Women Book Club.” In her free time, Denise enjoyed being with her family, especially when she got to play with her grandson. She always looked forward to family gatherings and getting together with her friends. She was an avid golfer and quite the Scrabble player with her sisters. And, she also managed to find time to garden and read.
Denise will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 38 years, Frank A., Jr., her son, Anthony, daughter, Cristy (Antonio Barbra) Hess, her grandson, Pierce Barbra, mother, Dorothy Walker Bechtel and stepfather Ray Bechtel, her 2 brothers; Dan (Michele) Walker and David (Helen) Walker, 5 sisters; Debbie (Lee) Dohanos, Diane Messoros, Donna (Mike) Sebo, Darlene (Mark) Morrison, and Dawn (Kirk) Mitchell-Walker, her parent-in-laws; Frank A., Sr. and Anita Hess and Chuck and Sue Dean, brothers-in-law; Dave (Sheila) Hess and Jim (Jenny) Hess, as well as her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas H. Walker.
The family is holding private funeral services. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date for all family and friends. The Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Contributions in her memory are suggested to be sent to either the Brownhelm United Church of
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