Dena (DeFuria) Spensieri

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Dena (DeFuria) Spensieri, who passed away on June 4th, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on August 25th, 1941, in Syracuse, Dena grew up on Syracuse’s North side, then lived in Eastwood and later moved to Sarasota and Melbourne FL before returning to Syracuse. Dena was a dedicated and loving mother to her children Dawn, Rae, Jennifer and Jeffrey DeFuria. Dena had a passion for cooking and entertaining for the holidays, and her homemade dishes were always the highlight of family gatherings. Her love of travel lead to her career as a travel agent, owning The Travel Bug of Eastwood from 1983 to 1999 and then continuing her work as an agent in Florida. Dena also enjoyed being a Home Health Aid in Sarasota and always delighted in any opportunity to engage and talk with others about their families, work, and life experiences. Dena had a love for animals and chose to volunteer at the local shelter in Florida which eventually led to the adoption of her cats Muffin and Dee Dee. Her current cat is Cookie, and her grand dog is Dunkin. Dena is predeceased by her father Frank Spensieri, her mother Palma (Pesane) Spensieri and Jeffrey DeFuria (2016). She is survived by her children Dawn (Ray Henley Jr.), Rae, Jennifer and Jeffrey DeFuria who will miss her dearly. Also survived by several nieces, nephew and cousins. Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 4 – 6:30 P.M., immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Dena’s life at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Humane Association or CNY SCPA in memory of Dena Spensieri. (Humane Association 4915 W Taft Rd, Liverpool, NY 13088, or CNY SPCA 5878 E Molloy Rd, Syracuse, NY 13211). A special thank you to our mom’s friends and caregivers, Debbie Durham and Nikki Durham as well as the many aids that assisted with her care. Also, a special thank you to the Crouse Hospital Emergency Room and Comfort Care personnel. Rest in peace, mom. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.

Dena (DeFuria) Spensieri

August 25, 1941 - June 4, 2024