Mrs. Idena (Dena) DeBiasi, 89, of Duryea, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday evening, March 26, 2013, at CMC Hospice, Scranton surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Wetumpka, Alabama on September 19, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Foster and Rose Etta Penton Emfinger.

She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp on October 16, 1944 and completed basic training in Tallahasse, where she worked in the motor pool. Pvt. Emfinger met her husband, Sgt. Carmen, while both were enlisted in the army. They celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to his death in May 2010.

Dena operated her own business, “Dena’s Lunch” on Main Street, Duryea for over 20 years and enjoyed serving her customers great home cooking until 1984.

After retirement, she enjoyed tending to her vegetables and flowers in the garden. She loved the numerous trips to family reunions in her beloved home town of Wetumpka.

She was a devoted member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish and served with the Holy Name Society for many years. She often commented on all the fun she had preparing food and working at their yearly picnic.

Dena was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and especially loved the precious time she spent with her great-grandchildren, Isabella & Jason, Jr.

Dena’s warm southern hospitality made everyone feel right at home. Her outgoing personality and wit made her the life of the party. She enjoyed hosting family and friends, around her kitchen table or on the patio, where she delighted in an occasional margarita as she reminisced abut the good-ole days.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Carmen, sisters, Rosie Bell, Laura Mae, Thula and Lee Verna, and brothers, Herman, Cecil, Clarence and Bennett.

She will be missed by her children, Jennie, Carmella, Louis, Darlene and Dino, six grandchildren, Jason, Tori, Autum, Nicolette, Tyler and Madelyn, two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Jason Jr., and many dear friends.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last years, especially LifeGeisinger (Living Independently for Elders) at Marywood College. She spent almost every day with the wonderful staff, who cared for and loved her. Many thanks to Dr. Eisner and Dr. Collier who gave her their undivided care and attention. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to LifeGeisinger, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pa. 18509, or Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea, Pa. 18642.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. from the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea, with Mass of the Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Duryea with the Rev. Andrew Sinnott officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Duryea. Friends may call Monday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. To leave the family an online condolence or for further information, please visit our website,www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

Guestbook Entries

Mom, I just saw all the beautiful comments here in your Honor... I miss you every day, and get such a chuckle every time I do something that reminds me of you. I know that you are resting Peacefully and enjoying a nice cool Margarita! :-)

Daughter Darlene (almost 11 years ago)

A very kind and wondeful Dena has now left us to live in eternity with Carmen. May they both rest in peace.

John Wycallis (over 11 years ago)

Carmella- sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom provided a place for us as we grew up in Duryea--she was a kind person.

Danny DeMarco (over 11 years ago)

Carm, My condolences to you and your family.

Greg Shanower (over 11 years ago)

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother.

Betty ( Bisbing ) Coolbaugh (over 11 years ago)

Dino and Family sorry to hear of the loss in your family.

rozanne foersch (over 11 years ago)

Carmella and Darlene, my condolences to you and your loved ones.

John Szarek (over 11 years ago)

It was a wonderful tribute to your mom. Perfect smiling picture of Dena was a great way of telling everyone what a wonderful woman Dena was. Joe and I are blessed to know and love her as a very dear friend. She will be greatly missed!!!

Elizabeth Mihalka (over 11 years ago)

My deepest sympathy to you Jennie, and Carmella, Louie, Dino and Darlene and all of your loved ones. Mom was such a wonderful lady, always so happy. May she rest in peace.

Sandy Berkoski Singer (over 11 years ago)

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