Obituary of Shirley Jean DeSena

Shirley Jean DeSena, 73, of East Haven, passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2009, with her loving children by her side. Shirley found out she had cancer four years ago, but this did not slow her down. Her Iife was full of activities with her six children, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She spent this last Mother's Day surrounded by the sounds of joy and laughter brought by her family. Shirley was born in East Haven on August 22, 1935, not far from the house where she raised her own family. She graduated from East Haven High School in 1953 and married in 1957. As her children grew she enjoyed running around to their sporting and school events. When the grandkids starting arriving, she shifted her attention to their activities and was often seen on the sidelines of a baseball game, in the audience of a dance recital, or called to duty as a favorite babysitter. She appreciated the simple pleasures of life such as spending time on Martha's Vineyard, family gatherings during the holidays, a sunset at the beach, gardening, and attending concerts, movies, and Broadway shows. Shirley is predeceased by her husband Joseph DeSena, Sr., and her brothers Frank Zabski and Paul Desrosier. Shirley leaves behind her children: Joseph DeSena Jr., and his wife Carol of North Branford, and their children Joseph and Christopher as well as her great-grandchildren Dane and Emma; Michael DeSena of Hartford and Maureen (Dillion)DeSena of Glastonbury and their children Zachary and Benjamin; Richard DeSena of Branford; Ronald DeSena of East Haven and Wendy Darling of Branford and their children, Karyn DeSena and Stuart Dyer; Stephen DeSena and his wife Cathy of Hobe Sound, Florida and their daughters Madeleine and Rachael; and her daughter Stacy (DeSena) Meade and her husband David of Guilford and their children David, Olivia, and Sophia. She also leaves behind her sisters Joy (Zabski) Fair and Aimee (Desrosier) Dymarczyk, her brother Omer Desrosier, her Aunt Adele Figlewski as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also left behind are a special group of friends that Shirley found later in life after the death of her husband. She shared many birthday celebrations, movies and trips to the casinos with this wonderful group of women. A special thank you to the physicians and staff of the Medical Oncology & Hematology practice, in particular Dr. Zaheer, Elaine, and Kim, for their compassionate care and friendship during this challenging time. Funeral from the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, Monday morning at 9:00. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Vincent de Paul Church at 9:30. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 4pm – 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave., P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450.