Denise Connell died peacefully at home on October 11th, at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Dan, her beloved brother Vince and her parents, Marie and Frank Blake. She is survived by her children Lisamarie Rocco (Charles), Leann Connell, Blake Connell as
well as her grandchildren Bryan and Stephanie Rocco, Caitlin and Madeline Connell.

A native San Franciscan, Denise graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart San Francisco in 1951. She loved telling stories of her youth; going "downtown" to shop and have lunch with her mother, cross-country train trips which always included a stop in Chicago before reaching their New York destination, and spending summers with the Murphy clan at the family cabin in Lake County. In 1956 Denise received a Teaching Credential from the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to teach elementary students in the San Francisco School District. Denise had known Dan since childhood through her brother Vince. Upon graduating from Cal, Denise and Dan reunited and were married in August,1961. She left her teaching role and together they moved to the Peninsula, where they raised their three children. She returned to teaching once the kids were older and, after retiring, volunteered in the Santa Clara District Attorney's office. "Grandma" enjoyed sharing her love of California history and proper manners with her grandchildren over the years, and was an avid knitter - donating hand-knit baby caps to the local hospital as long as she was able. Her best memories always involved our Dad, and in their later years they loved traveling and took cruises all over the world. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary by setting sail for Alaska under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which was fitting for our San Francisco natives.

Friends and family are invited to a viewing on Monday, October 17, 2022 beginning at 4pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm at Spangler's Mortuary, 399 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 10am, St. William Church, 611 S. El Monte Ave., Los Altos with a reception following in the church hall. We will be streaming the ceremony for those not attending in-person:

https://youtu.be/lPBa5trfc2Y


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or your favorite charity.