Denece Disera

Our beloved and lively Denece Coon Disera passed away July 19, 2023 in Draper, Utah, during a beautiful summer rainstorm. She was eight days short of her 94th birthday, and her fiery spirit was present through her final days.

Denece was born July 27, 1929 in Magna, Utah to her cherished mother Minnie Eleanor Parker and Stanley James Coon. She married her high school sweetheart Lawrence “Larry” Disera on March 31, 1950 in Magna, Utah, they had three daughters: Shelley, Lori, and Keri.

Denece grew up in Magna with her adoring brothers J.T. and Roger, and spent many summers in Richfield, having fun with her best friend Peggy.

Denece was game for anything and known for being a devoted member of the “fake it til you make it” club. As a teenager she played the bugle in the Cyprus High School marching band despite having no idea how to read music.

She had many jobs in her life, including key punch operator and personal shopper for ZCMI (her favorite). She was exceptionally social and loved to have fun. She enjoyed many activities including golf, bridge, sewing, roller skating, bowling, canyon picnics, handwork, crossword puzzles, walking, and reading. She could talk to anyone, and maintained many strong friendships that lasted a lifetime. She loved dancing, entertaining, and music—especially opera, Frank Sinatra, and Andrea Bocelli. She was beautiful inside and out, and was known for her classy outfits and beautiful jewelry.

Denece was sassy, headstrong, stubborn, and always up for fun. She was known for making friends everywhere she went, including in Italy where she believed you should never let a language barrier get in the way of a good conversation. She was exceptionally mindful of her family and friends, and if something was amiss in your life, you knew to expect a call.

Denece is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Wally) Bills, Lori (Michael) Beard, and Keri (Richard) Evans; thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, her brother Roger (Susan), sister-in-laws Georgina Coon and Donna Disera, “a fourth daughter” Kristy Benton and many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother J.T.

Denece’s family would like to express gratitude to all the caregivers at The Grand at Holladay and Spring Gardens Draper, Symbi and Canyon Home Care & Hospice. Your love and tender care meant the world.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 27, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins Soffe South Valley. A memorial / 94th birthday celebration will be held that day at 4:00 p.m. - Cottonwood Country Club.

You were a bright, shiny star, Gigi, and no one could ever forget you. We hope that on your arrival your tap shoes were shined and ready, and the band was playing nice and loud. We’ll be dancing here in your honor until we see you again.