Dena A. Sommers

May 30, 1969 - April 7, 2025

Dena Ann Ruriane Sommers passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with a long illness. She was 55 years old.

Born in Brooklyn, NY to her devoted parents, Elaine and Ed Ruriane, Dena grew up with a vibrant spirit and a heart full of love. From a young age, she displayed a deep passion for learning and teaching, a passion that stayed with her throughout her life. She graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in education, and over the years, shared her gift of teaching with the children of Staten Island. Dena spent ten years teaching kindergarten and pre-K at Our Lady Help of Christians and St. Clare Schools before transitioning to a role as a paraprofessional at PS 30 in 2015.

Dena’s greatest joy in life was her family. She married her beloved husband, Dave, in 1994, and together they were blessed with two beautiful children, Justin and Julia. As a mother, Dena's love was boundless—her children were her world, and she dedicated herself to their care, growth, and happiness with unwavering devotion. Her warmth and laughter were the heartbeats of their home. Her fur-baby, Carly also brought her much joy for 14 years.

Dena was a radiant presence who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness, compassion, and infectious smile made every room brighter, and her sense of humor had the power to make even the darkest days lighter. She will be remembered for her unyielding generosity, her unforgettable laughter, her warm hugs and her ability to make everyone feel like family.

Dena is now reunited in heaven with her beloved father, Ed Ruriane, and her cherished grandmothers, Katherine and Josephine. She leaves behind her husband Dave, her children Justin and Julia, her mother Elaine, and her sister Staci. She is also deeply loved and will be missed by her nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and a vast circle of friends who became family over the years.

A celebration of Dena’s life will be held on Thursday, April 10th, at Casey McCullum Rice Funeral Home, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Friday, April 11th, at The Church of St. Clare at 9:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations of school supplies, which will be shared with Staten Island schools in honor of Dena's lifelong dedication to children and education