Obituary of Dena Renee Monaghan

Dena Renee Monaghan, affectionately known as “Dena girl”, 59 of Duluth, Mn., passed from this life to eternal life on December 18, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.

Dena was born on April 6, 1962 in Duluth, Mn, the daughter of Pat Monaghan and Diane (Cujak) Pitt.

Dena was a hard worker who took pride in everything she did. She showed that pride while waitressing and cooking for so many people over the years. And also while employed as a janitor cleaning offices at Essentia Health.

Dena had a sensitive soul with a creative spirit. She could often be found admiring the beauty and majesty on the shores of Lake Superior, where she enjoyed hand picking “shopping” just the right rocks and driftwood with her daughter Dannae. She combined her creativity and love of treasure hunting to piece together unique works of art for those she loved. Everything she made was from her heart; we were proud of her talents as she had so many and will treasure all of her special gifts. Besides spending time with family, Dena also had a passion for gardening, beading jewelry, crocheting and attending the Blues Fest on Park Point.

The simplest pleasures in life brought Dena great joy. Anyone who truly knew her knew she had a big heart as she always showed grace and mercy never overlooking those less fortunate and often speaking on their behalf.

Dena was a free spirit and often went right past the “Do Not Enter” signs of life; to experience things on the other side. She lived life on her own terms and wasn’t afraid to find her own way despite the bumpy road.

Dena is survived by her children whom she treasured; Dannae (Jeff) Olson of Duluth, Darrin Monaghan and Makayla Pitt of Superior. One grandchild; Sevyn Rose Coleman, two step grandchildren; Asher and Sydney Olson of Duluth. Dena is also survived by her dad Clifford Pitt of Minong, siblings; David Monaghan of Superior, Dana (Greg) Dolsen of South Range, her niece; Elizabeth Dolsen and nephew Ryan (Ashley) Dolsen all of South Range, uncle; Marvin Pitt of Superior, aunt and uncle; Sylvia (Dennis) Peppenger of Georgia; and several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dena is preceded in heaven by her parents, Pat Monaghan and Diane (Cujak) Pitt, grandmother; Kathryn Cujak, uncles; Bob, Howard, Ben and Andy, aunts; Dorothy and Joanne.

Dena loved The Lord with all her heart and had faith that death is not the end of life but the end of suffering and the beginning of endless eternal life. Goodbye is not forever, we’ll miss you until we meet again.

A celebration of life to be held at a future date.