Denise Hanna-Bennett
August 16, 1951 ~ September 14, 2015
Denise Hanna-Bennett, 64, of Mount Vernon, died peacefully at St. Luke's Hospice Care Unit, surrounded by her family on September 14, 2015. Denise fought a two year battle with Stage IV glioblastoma. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mechanicsville. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2015, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, with a Rosary Service at 6:30. Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery in Mechanicsville.
Denise was born in Cedar Rapids on August 16, 1951, to John and Eileen (Mulherin) Hanna. She attended Morley Consolidated School and graduated from Olin High School in 1969. Denise received an Associate's Degree from Kirkwood College. She was a 28 year employee of Cornell College, where she leaves behind many special friends, especially Sheri Hotz and Lora Baltes. In 2010, Denise was recognized as an Honorary Alumna of Cornell College.
Denise was united in marriage to John Bennett in 1977. They enjoyed their Friday date nights, watching NASCAR, and their special vacations. Denise enjoyed spending special times with her family, especially her grandchildren, baking her chocolate brownies and sugar cookies for family gatherings. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.
Survivors include her husband John; daughters, Kelsey Bennett of Mt. Vernon and Whitney Turner (Jonathan) of Mechanicsville; two grandchildren, William Turner and Hanna Turner; six siblings, Sharon (Larry) Clore, Tom (Joan) Hanna, Mary (Patrick) Dreckman, Marty (Randy) Fall, Diane (Mike) Johnson, Rick (Lori) Hanna; mother-in-law, Jo Bennett; brothers and sisters-in-law, Becky Bunting, Robert Bennett, James (Vicky) Bennett, David (Vonnie) Bennett, Don Bennett, Nancy (Rich) Goodale; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Denise was preceded in death by her parents; and father-in-law, Willard Bennett.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Fusselman and his staff at PCI, and all the nurses and caregivers at St. Luke's Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Denise.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Kelsey, John , Whitney and Family:
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am deeply saddened for your loss. The short time I knew Denise, I found her to be a spunky, fun loving person. She is already greatly missed. Love to you all!
Kelsey, John, Whitney, I write this with a very heavy heart and tears in my eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with you and will continue to be! Denise was a very loving, caring lady who will be missed by many! Her long fight is over and she is in a better place now. My Love is with you all!!
I Love You Denise I miss holding your hand and saying goodnight
I’m so sorry to read about Denise’s passing. Please know we’re thinking about all of you & keeping in our thoughts and prayers.
John, Kelsey, and Whitney, I’m so sorry for your profound loss. Denise was a unique and special person who had an incredible love for all of you and her grandchildren. And you showed incredible love for her in caring for her in her illness and surrounding her in love as she went on a the next journey. My fondest memories of Denise are on RAGBRAI sitting around talking, with Denise proudly wearing her PEACE, LOVE, RAGBRAI t-shirt. May you all at some point be able to find some comfort in your fond memories of Denise.
We want to send our condolences to the family of Denise. I lived neighbors to her folks and I also knew her
Grandfather. Our prayers are with you that you might find comfort and peace.
Ken and Donna McConaughy
You have our deepest sympathies! She was always laughing and smiling making high school fun.
We’re sorry we won’t be able to attend the services. We’ve lost a neice to cancer too. She was only 41. This disease needs to be stopped. The countless lives and families effected by cancer is endless!
Please know you have our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace. Becky & Dan McAtee
I am so saddened by your loss. I am a high school classmate of Denise’s and graduated with her in 1969 from Olin High School. Many memories are flooding back right now from her being crowned homecoming queen with me as one of her court and most especially as one of the cornet players in our cornet trio at music contest. She was loved by all and a great friend. I personally want to say that she was always a good friend to me and no matter what our differences in opinions and thoughts were (as teenagers we were all there with each other), she was fair and very open to it all. I will love her forever not only as a classmate of mine but as a friend that I thought about a lot in my adult life after graduation. God bless you all and know that she was loved very muchl. My prayers are with you all and may she rest in peace now and forever.
Dear John, Kelsey and Whitney, I’m so sorry for your loss. It is a terrible misfortune that you have had to suffer with Denise and to say goodbye to her so soon. Denise brightened the lives of everyone who knew her. Looking back, I am particularly grateful for the joy and energy she brought to RamBRAI in the early years. It’s no exaggeration to say that without Denise and John there might never have been a RamBRAI tradition that now spans three decades. It’s also safe to say that RamBRAI was never better than in those early years when Denise & John and Kelsey & Whitney were all part of the party. I regret that family obligations of my own in Minnesota will prevent me from attending the funeral. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your time of loss. My own mother, who is unnaturally wise about these matters, says everyone has a right to grieve in their own way. I know you will support each other as you mourn the loss of Denise. You will be in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved seeing you come in as a family, so supportive of your mom. What a neat lady. I’m thankful I got to meet her.
Melissa Clancy (lab receptionist)
Katrina and I were very sorry to learn of Denise’s death. We have very fond memories of working with her at Cornell. Her commitment to the College and her enthusiasm were contagious. We extend our sympathy and best wishes to you.
Les Garner