Mary Lawless Denness
Mary Lawless Denness died peacefully on February 28, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 77.
Mary is survived by her children, Peggy Denness, Linda Denness-Arvizu, and Jane Denness; her brother Richard Lawless (Mamie Lawless); her bother-in-law Richard Denness (Jan Denness); her sisters-in-law Mary Jane Denness Wendt (Jens Wendt) and Roselle Denness as well as her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Denness and her brother Tom Lawless (Mary Lawless).
Mary was born on May 1st, 1939 in St. Louis, MO. She graduated from St. Louis Cathedral School in 1952, from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1956 and St. Louis University in 1960. Through her involvement with the St. Luke’s Young Adults’ Club, she met Jerry and they married in 1960. After buying their first home in Overland, Mo, Mary worked for a short time as a teacher before the couple welcomed their first child and she became a stay at home mom. The couple later welcomed two more children.
Mary’s dedication to Catholic education and St. Joseph’s Academy never wavered. She collaborated with Sr. Mary DePaul Berra to found the school’s current alumnae association and served as the President of the Mother’s Club. She truly embodied the motto “Not I, but We” through her work with the alumnae as well as during her tenure on the board of directors.
Mary was an accomplished gardener. Her children remember her as a woman who always had a project. There was always a room to paint, garden to plant, party to plan or a special project to complete. Mary loved staying busy! Mary cherished the love of her friends and family. There was never a week that she did not have plans. Her daughters often joked that she had a busier social life than they had. She was a dedicated mother who was always there for her children and grandchildren. Nothing made Mary happier than when one of the girls was coming home for a visit. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren and passed down many stories and memories to their loving care.
A memorial Mass officiated by Monseigneur Tom Dempsey and Monseigneur Kevin Callahan is scheduled for Saturday March 4, 2017 10:30 a.m. at St. Claire of Assisi Catholic Church (15642 Clayton Road, Elisville, MO) with a short visitation before the Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at St. Joseph’s Academy (2307 S Lindbergh Blvd, Frontenac, MO) in the Sister Mary DePaul room. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Joseph’s Academy (2307 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131) or the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (2222 Welborn St, Dallas, TX 75219).
The family would like to thank St. Joseph’s Academy for their help arranging the reception. Celebrating her life at “The Academy” would have been so special to Mary.
I am so saddened we have lost a dear friend. I cherish our wonderful times..memories back to the 1980’s SJA Mothers’ Club! And most recently with the 175th celebration of our school. Mary’s impact on St. Joe will live on..and not be forgotten.
Blessings,
Linda Holland Decker ’83
Linda and Family-
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful mother. What a gift she was to the world and to The Academy. She will always be remembered for her love of St. Joe and her many contributions over the years to the school. With deepest sympathy, Mary Darpel Doehring ’85
Mary was an amazing person. I served with her on the Board at St Joseph’s Academy. She loved SJA. Always had great insight that was comprehensive of all groups. I had the good fortune of introducing my daughters who were current SJA Angels at the time to Mary at a parish Mass. She was so kind to them and interested in what they were doing at SJA. I imaging the pearly gates will have some green and white on them this weekend.
God Bless
Jim Hill
Peggy, Linda and Jane,
Your mother was an inspiration to me. I learned so many important things from her. One of Mary’s great gifts is her example of love – the love between her and your father, Jerry. They were so sweet & tender together. Their commitment to one another was beautiful. I’m a better person, and hopefully a better wife, for having know your mom. And your dad for that matter! Helen Antoine ’81
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will always remember Mary’s welcoming smile and genuine interest in others. Everytime I saw her, which was last at St. Joe just 2 years ago or so, she was so interested in what I was doing and I felt as though we picked up where we left off. She touched my heart in so many ways over the years, especially when she drove carpool – ha!
I grew up hanging out at the Denness’ house. Mr. and Mrs. D were always so generous and loving. When I count my blessings, I will count them twice.
Besides Sr. DePaul and Mrs. Wellington, I cannot think of anyone who embodied the spirit of St. Joe more.
Love, Peggy Baxendale Hoy, ’88
Mary was and will remain an inspiration to me as a proud, involved, and generous St. Joe angel and alum. I’ve only known her for the last 15 years or so, but always enjoyed seeing her at events and was always touched by her interest in me and what I was up to. It seems that she made everyone feel special in that way. I will certainly miss seeing her around the Academy, but know that her legacy will live on strong. May the angels in heaven welcome you, Mary!
Mary was a wonderful person and loved by many. Bob and I knew she and Jerry from their days at St Monica Parish as friends and with their girls. Later our friendship blossomed with all our many years at St. Joe and as Mother’s Club presidents. We were honored to be invited to their many fabulous parties. Mary was a talented chefette, as I called her, providing delicious food at all her parties plus beautiful orchids and flowers from their greenhouse and gardens. We will truly miss this loving and caring lady. Unfortunately, we are in Florida now and will miss honoring her and her family.
Blessings to all,
Bob and Sheila Heitz
Mary’s classmates from Cathedral School will miss her so much. She was our walking memory of our school days, always remembering those important things like teachers, who got in trouble, who was the nicest, and where are they now. I know she will be keeping an loving eye on us from another place.