Dena Sweeda Obituary (2011)

Dena T. Sweeda December 1, 1920 - May 16, 2011 Our precious Dena T. Sweeda passed away May 16, 2011, with her loving family by her side. Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, she will be greatly missed by all. Dena was the second of four daughters born to loving parents Giuseppe (Joseph) Tavarozzi and Giuseppina (Josephine) Cacciavillani Tavarozzi on December 1, 1920 in Tooele, Utah. She graduated from Tooele High School in 1939. She met the love of her life, her husband and companion of 54 years, Frank J. Sweeda Sr., who was stationed in Tooele while enlisted in the US Army. They married shortly after they met on September 25, 1943 at Saint Marguerite's Catholic Church. Dena was employed at the Tooele Army Depot for over 30 years. After retiring she worked for the Tooele Cornet store where she met and enjoyed many lifelong friends. Dena was a very ambitious and hardworking woman who took great pride in her home and her yard, which she kept, in her words, "immaculate." Her home was always open to anyone who wanted to come in for some bread, cheese or wine. There was always food on the table and drinks in the fridge. She always welcomed her children and grandchildren's friends into her home. She was well known for her excellent cooking which she enjoyed, especially remembered for her homemade Italian dinners. She took great pride in continuing the Italian traditions. She made pizzelle by the hundreds (Italian cookies) and had a plate fully ready for anyone who came to her home. Her table was always set with grace and elegance. Her devout Catholic faith always brought her great comfort. Dena is survived by her son Joe (Kelly), grandchildren Todd (son of Frank Jr.), Jodi (Brandon Ginter), Laci Joe (Brandon Ornela), Kali Arline and Dillon (children of Joe), great granddaughter Alexus (daughter of Laci Joe) as well as nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Tug, sisters Anne Pizzello and Mary Lewis. She is preceded in death by her husband Frank, son Frank Jr., granddaughter Shelby Lynn (daughter of Frank Jr.), sister Olga Ronkovich, brother-in-law John Pizzello, and her parents. Dena personified the word "Mother" and "Grandmother." Please join us to remember her life at Saint Marguerite's Church, 510 E. Vine St., Tooele on Friday, May 20, 2011. The vigil service will be at 9:30 a.m., viewing at 10:00 a.m. and funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to thank the Beehive Home of Tooele for all of their special and loving care. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Brandon Ginter, whose constant devotion and loving care brought her much joy and laughter. Until we meet again Grandma Dena, we will forever hold you in our hearts. We all love you and will never forget you. [googleMap name="St. Marguerite's" width="500" height="400"]510 East Vine, 84074[/googleMap] To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dena T. Sweeda please visit our Sympathy Store.