Denise Clover

Denise Dennis Clover, a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, and faithful sister and friend, passed away on May 29, 2021. She was 81.

Born in Erie, PA on September 23, 1939, Denise was the daughter of Dr. Edward Parker Dennis, an ophthalmologist, and Mildred Torrance Dennis, a nurse, both of whom were well-known and respected in the community. “Dede” and her older sister Camilla were inseparable as children and remained best friends throughout their lives.

After early schooling in Erie, Dede graduated from Stuart Hall School in Staunton, VA. She then attended Marjorie Webster Junior College in Washington, DC for a year, after which she returned home to help care for her ailing father.

Through a friend at Marjorie Webster, Dede met the love of her life, Philip Thornton Clover, on a blind date in Erie when she was 20. They were engaged six weeks later and married three months after on July 30, 1960. That fall, they moved to Palo Alto, CA and had their first son, Greayer, in 1961. Sons Ted and Sam followed in 1965 and 1969, respectively.

Phil’s career with General Electric took them to various locations around the country every two- to-four years, including Schenectady, NY; Wayne, PA; Simsbury, CT; East Greenwich, RI; Lynchburg, VA and Ridgewood, NJ. With each move, Dede ably managed the household and children and still found time to volunteer for a number of organizations including the Junior League, American Red Cross and Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. She was also an avid churchgoer throughout her life.

Dede adored cats—she had several over the years—and they, along with her favorite color blue, became synonymous with her persona. She also loved gardening, walking, reading, listening to music (especially classical and show tunes) and sending frequent notes and cards to friends and family. She was an excellent cook and fed her family well, and enjoyed simple pleasures such as mocha chip ice cream and morning and evening cups of scalding hot coffee.

Upon retirement, Dede and Phil built their dream house in Chapel Hill, NC, where they filled their later years with the joy of family, friends, church and community service.

Dede was preceded in death by her husband Philip, and is survived by sister, Camilla Dennis Decker; sons Greayer D. Clover (Anne), Edward T. Clover (Beth) and Samuel T. Clover (Jen); and grandchildren, John Clover, Jenna Clover and Juliana Clover.

Friends may call at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W. 7^th St., Erie, on Saturday, June 26^th from 10 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Chris Weichman officiating.  Burial will follow in Erie Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the care of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dede may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.azl.org.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.