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Class of 1964
It is with a heavy heart this morning that I tell you about the passing of another one of our Classmates.
Dena Cortez passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. She was a fighter and faught against this monster called cancer. Denise Goessling Ambrose and Colleen Haffner Marshal were her loving support these past few months. They laughed with her and brought her comfort as she traveled down this lonely road.
Dena was a very loving, proud, strong woman who loved to dance. I will remember her with a smile on her face and her great outlook on life.
Her mother, Helen Cortez, 95, lived with Dena. Send her your love and prayers. While you are at it, say a prayer for Deni and Colleen they have lost a friend that was like a sister to them.
Lovingly,
Linda Nash Marquis
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Mary Ann McNeill (Michalsky)
Well here we go being shocked again. I'm still reeling from finding out that Ray Deniston passed on and now Dena!
My fellow yearbook editor, Diane Pinnick Beecher, and I talked to Dena at length at the 50th reunion. Dena talked about what a great time she had in high school, and teaching baton later in life. She was very positive and upbeat. We noticed that she had changed very much. She was now blonde, was fairly skinny and rather gaunt looking but still very pretty. Now unfortunately, we know why.
Since Dena was the head majorette at BPHS for our class, Diane and I had to talk to/photograph her several times. She was always very friendly and gracious, so that must be how she lived her life.
Dena, I'm so sorry that you had to suffer through this awful disease and I hope that you weren't in too much pain. God now has the best darn majorette ever leading his parade down Main Street in heaven!
So happy that we could share memories before you left us.
Diane Pinnick (Beecher)
I also enjoyed talking to Dena at the reunion and sharing memories. I interacted with her a lot being in the drill team. She was a lovely person. So sorry to hear of her passing. Rest in Peace.
Sharon Davis (Baker)
I remember Dena as being a vibrant mover and shaker SWEET gal! I am so very sorry for her life to be taken by that terrible disease. With Love, Sharon Davis Baker
Logene Fowler (Williams)
To me, the sight of Dena marching wearing that long, flowing headdress, will always be my favorite memory of what it meant to be part of the Baldwin Park Braves student body.
Mary Magdaleno (Pollack)
it was unknown to me who the long headress mascot was until recent years. for her role as the Indian mascot for our Braves student body, i will always remember Dena. even though i did not know her, i was saddened to hear of her passing.