Hazel Denehy Obituary

Hazel Denehy

Whately, MA - Hazel G. Denehy, age 93, of Whately, MA passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025 after a brief period of declining health.

Hazel was the daughter of the late Fred Rivers, Sr. and Frances M. Rivers. She was born and raised in Orange, MA, graduating from Orange High School in 1949, where she was a star on the girls basketball team. Following her marriage to Daniel G. Denehy, Sr., the couple lived in Little Rock, AR and Fort Worth, TX during Dan's service in the US Air Force. Upon their return to western Massachusetts, the couple resided briefly in Orange before settling permanently in Whately in the mid-1950s.

Hazel took incredible joy in her role as a homemaker and mother to her three children. She served for many years as a Cub Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout leader and was an active Whately PTA member. Hazel's other great joy was her service to the Whately Congregational Church. She served as president of the Ladies Benevolent Society for over 20 years, chaired the annual Holiday Fair and Lioness Group, worked on committees for the church addition, carriage shed restoration and numerous church dinners, taught Sunday School, and shared her beautiful singing voice with the congregation through her years with the church choir.

Hazel shared many adventures with her husband Dan, as they flew their private plane all over the country, and spent many happy hours on their sailboat. She was especially proud of holding her pilots license. Hazel's life was rich with family and friends, her church, and helping others. She loved to laugh (sometimes a little loudly), as she shared her happiness and optimism with all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was predeceased by her husband Dan, daughter Tari Lynn, sister Kay Anderson, and brother Fred Rivers, Jr. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Kelley of Templeton, MA, her son Daniel G. Denehy, Jr. and his partner Molly O'Brien of Whately, son Michael J. Denehy and his wife Jo-Ann of Whately, granddaughters Jessica Moody (Rich) of Deerfield, MA and Jenelle Wilkins (Kurt) of Shelburne, MA, great-grandsons Reed and Rush Moody and Lincoln Wilkins. Hazel also leaves Tari's blended family. She was proud to be a "second mom" to Sharon Rose and Marie Pollard. Hazel also deeply loved her many nieces, nephews and close friends.

The family wishes to thank the second floor staff of RegalCare in Greenfield for their outstanding care, kindness and compassion.

A celebration of Hazel's life will be held Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 am at the Whately Congregational Church. Internment will take place at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Hazel's memory may be made to the First Congregational Church of Whately, 177 Chestnut Plain Road, Whately, MA 01093.