Dena Green, 89, of Ocean Grove, passed away Wednesday, May 26th peacefully and surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Minneapolis, MN to her parents Morris and Tillie Gelfen, Dena had fond childhood memories of sleigh riding and vacations to Lake Erie and Chicago.  Dena moved to Anaheim, CA in the early 1960’s where she raised her four daughters.  Not only was Dena a member of the Sisterhood at Anaheim’s Temple Beth Emet, but she was also heavily involved in her children’s high school band booster club.  After retiring from the retail business in 2000, Dena moved to New Jersey to live with her daughter, Lisa, and her family.  In New Jersey, Dena volunteered at Brick Hospital and was a member of a senior citizens club in Beachwood. Dena was a master Mah Jongg player and an avid crocheter.  She was famous for crocheting quilts for family, friends, and hospital patients.  Dena loved reading The New York Times from cover to cover and would surprise others with her knowledge of sports and gardening.  She loved watching TV games shows, “The Golden Girls,” and she wouldn’t miss an episode of “The Young and the Restless.”  But above all, Dena’s greatest joy in life were her grandchildren.

Dena is survived by her four loving daughters: Teri Green of Redondo Beach, CA; Susan Strand and her husband Carl of Mission Viejo, CA; Mindy Green and her partner Christoph Lessmoellmann of Australia; and Lisa Neuwirth and her husband Brian of Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ. Dena is also survived by her sister Sandy Gelfen and her partner Fleming Jackson of Los Angeles, CA, as well as, her four grandchildren– Sarah and Joshua Strand and Emma and David Neuwirth.

Dena’s family would like to thank all the caregivers and staff at Manor by the Sea for all their care, kindness, and support they provided for Dena for the last three years.  At her family’s request, services for Dena will be held in Los Angeles, CA. If you would like to send of message of condolence, please visit her tribute page at www.wbhfh.com.