Dena Lynn Laurent Sorenson
April 18, 1967 - July 3, 2006
Obituary
Dena Laurent Sorenson, 39, of Federal Way, Washington, was born on April 18, 1967 in Winfield, Kansas. Her passing on July 3, 2006 and into the loving arms of her Lord Jesus, ends her 5 ½ year courageous fight with breast cancer. Dena grew up in Emporia, Kansas with her parents, Nick Laurent and Myra Greenberg and her sister, Anne Laurent Butera. Dena graduated from Vanderbilt University and received her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. Dena worked in the cities of Dayton, Ohio and Federal Way, Washington, and recently retired from the City of Kent, Washington, where she was the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Dena touched and inspired many lives through her tireless work with the Federal Way & Washington Jaycees, Young Survivors Coalition, Cancer Lifeline, Sister Cities and many other civic organizations. Dena was very active in leadership and children’s ministry at her church, Trinity Community Church in Kent, Washington.
Dena is survived by her husband, Michael Sorenson, her son, Luke Sorenson, her father and step-mother, Nick and Jan Laurent of Emporia, Kansas , her mother Myra Greenberg of Lawrence, Kansas and her sister, Anne Butera, her husband and children of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Viewing will be available on July 7th, 8th and 9th at BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, Washington, 253 839-7317. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trinity Community Church, 3807 Reith Road, Kent, Washington at 3:00 PM on July 9th, 2006. Hi Kim:
“In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the “Dena Laurent Sorenson Memorial Fund.”
Dena, your friendship was my rock for many years. I will miss you forever.
Dena, You have made such a great impact in the far too short of time you were here with us. I will always remember the positive attitude that you have always shown and love that you have given everyone around you.
My husband and I worked with Dena in Federal Way and Kent. She was the most upbeat person I ever met in sickness and in health. She will be very missed and my heart and prayers go to her family.
Dena: I will always cherish the years we worked together at Federal Way. Like others have mentioned, your upbeat nature was a joy to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with your family throught this difficult. You will truly be missed.
Dena,
You could bring a smile and laugh to me no matter what the situation when we worked at FW City Hall. You are indeed a once-in-a lifetime gem that will be greatly missed by many. My prayers of support are with your family.
I, too, remember the combination of Dena’s HUGE smile, terrific energy and brand of spirit touched with more than a hint of silliness. All necessary and welcome qualities in a co-worker here in Federal Way. My thoughts are with your family. May you rest in Peace Dena.
I had the great pleasure of getting to know Dena when we worked together at the City of Federal Way. Dena was a one-in-a-million, real-life hero, whose spirit, strength, and courage, uplifted others to be better than we are. May her family find some comfort in knowing that Dena will live on through this legacy of inspiration. My prayers are with Michael, Luke, and all of Dena’s family.
In my working relationship with Dena, I found myself being mentored by a wonderful young woman many years my junior, but with insights and vision beyond her year. In my personal relationship with her I found sincere caring and open evangelism were her hallmarks. Dena didn’t have to go out of her way to befriend, teach, assist, comfort or care for others – – that was her way. I have missed Dena every day since she left her Kent position, but find that she left for me and scores of others an indelible impression of living life with Love, Faith, Hope, and Charity.
I will always remember Dena for her optimism in all situations, professionalism and her sense of fun. Not always easy to achieve working in a new city! Her contribution to the fund raising drive for the Knutzen Family Theatre was invaluable and she will be remembered for all of her work.
I am very sorry to hear about Dena’s passing. I have survived with the same illness, so we had a special bond in the beginning of her ordeal.
Dena was my direct supervisor in Kent, and I greatly enjoyed working for her. I watched her closely and enjoyed learning from her. She had an amazing amount of grace and professionalism, caring and love of life and family. I have never met anyone who’s eyes sparkled more than Dena’s. You will be missed friend.
Dena was truly a gift to all who knew her. Though I had not spoken to her for many years, my life was blessed to have crossed her path. May God comfort her family and be their strength.
We have known Dena for years growing up in Emporia,Ks.She and our daughter Kelli have been best friends since their teen years. It was alot like having a second daughter. What a loving,brillant,conscience, vibrant,devout,sincere, happy young woman she has been. What a JOY! You will be terribly missed. We love you. Michael and Luke you also are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dena was the Energizer Bunny. It didn’t matter if she was diagnosed with Cancer or not. She just kept on serving and serving and serving. She was amazingly patient, caring, and creative. Whether it was the creation of the Federal Way Jaycess, activities for the City of Federal Way, the City of Kent or whatever Cancer organization she could volunteer for, she was a faithful servant. She will be missed and never forgotten.
Dena was a very giving, caring, and the most positive person by all who knew her. Dena was the original founding member and the key spark to charter the Federal Way Jaycees. I feel so fortunate that I met Dena when we both were local chapter presidents of the Jaycees 12 years ago. We both had in common that we were raised in Kansas. I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed at that time. Her life impacted so many different people, because Dena was such a giver to her community. Dena will be missed by so many. Michael and Luke are in my thoughts and prayers.
I worked with Dena during the very early years of Federal Way citihood…she was truly one of the most amazing people I had the privilege of working with during those days of getting a new city off and running. There was never a dull moment when Dena was around! She was always positive and committed to the projects assigned to her. Dena will be deeply missed!
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dena’s family, especially Michael and Luke, during this very difficult time–always remember your many wonderful memories as a family!
Dena, You will be very much missed by your family in the Jaycees and we do consider you family even after our Jaycee careers were over.
Dena was such a beautiful person and made many friendships accross the world. She will be fondly remembered by her friends in Caslereagh Northern Ireland where she was instrumental in forming our sister cities link with Kent. God Bless you Dena.
Dena will never be forgotten as we all worked together to start up the newly incorporated City of Federal Way. She was a driving force and always with a smile and a “can do” attitude. Dena’s courage is a lesson to all and my sincere condolences to Michael and Luke on their loss. We all were fortunate to have Dena touch our lives.
On behalf of myself as Chief Executive Officer, Directors and Staff of Castlereagh Borough Council, Northern Ireland Sister City to Kent, Washington State, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to Dena’s husband, Michael, her son, Luke, and her family circle. Dena was an extremely warm and caring individual who touched the hearts of all from Castlereagh who met her. She had such an extrovert personality and great sense of humour, that she was loved and respected by all. I have fond memories of my two visits to Kent and Dena always made our stays so pleasant. I enjoyed her humour, which was not just evident in person, but also in her many official correspondences between the two councils. Dena will be sorely missed by all who have come into contact with her and especially by her family and friends. Rest in peace.
Adrian Donaldson
Chief Executive
Castlereagh Borough Council
Dena was my friend through my college years and into my family years. She was a support and a joy. Her very real and passionate love for Christ was an inspiration to me. She never held back. She gave her all to her friends, her church, her community, and her God. Much love to her and her dear family.
I spent some time with Dena through Young Survivors and always enjoyed my time and communications with her. She will be greatly missed! Blessings to Michael and Luke!!!
Dena and I shared cubicle space for many years at the City of Federal Way. In that small space, we shared a deepening friendship, our love of the Lord, our hopes, dreams and thankfully just a few disappointments. We managed to stay in touch through the years, through hair and no hair, and kept up with family stories. I am so very blessed to have had Dena in my life.
Dena was a great addition to our City government relations family and held her own from the first time she worked with our eclectic and eccentric group. She impressed us all from day one and evne more so as she continued to work with us while her battle with cancer was under way. Her spirit was inspiring.
I wish to share my condolences to the Family of Dena Laurent Sorenson. I am very sorry for your loss. I worked for the City of Attorney’s office when I met Dena, and now work for the Parks Maintenanc Deprtment. Again my heart goes out of her family.
You were an inspiration to all who knew you. You will be missed.
I had the privilege of being Dena’s discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship many years ago. Her faith, joy of life, and friendship have left an impression on me that lasts to this day. I was present at Mike and Dena’s wedding and was able to share in their happiness — Mike, I know you brought her much love and joy into her life I don’t think I ever saw a more happy bride!, and I am thankful the Lord blessed you both with Luke — I can see a lot of Dena in him. Dena had a deep abiding faith and love for Jesus, and there is no question in my mind that she is whole and happy in heaven with her Lord. May her friends and family find solace in this and in their memories of her, and with the promise that one day you will see her again.
We knew Michael before Dena, and we were good friends to both of them. We have both been blessed by Dena’s friendship. And she has been an inspiration through this whole ordeal. We have been blessed to be there through some of the toughest times. We know the angels are rejoicing! May we all learn to be the kind of servant that Dena was! She will be missed! Michael and Luke…we love you!!
Our prayers will be with you. She was a very brave lady and she will be missed. I remember when we used to all play Bunko. Those were fun times. Hopefully I will see you when you order Lukes birthday cake!
I have fond memories of Dena and how she loved people and utilized well her wonderful ability to lead. My time with her in the Jaycees was a joy!
Dena and I were good friends in high school. I’ve just learned of her passing and am so incredibly sorry. She is a wonderful person. She was a friend, mentor, and big sister to me at a time when I really needed her. She was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, and simply a joy to be around. I am so sorry that I wasn’t in touch sooner. Her legacy undoubtedly will live on. Dena was and is a fantastic person whom I am privleged to have known.
Andrea Roberts
317-237-1424
I had the pleasure of working with Dena in Kent. Dena always greeted you with a smile and a sparkle in her eye that cannot be matched. She will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
My husband and I send our sincere condolences to Michael, Luke and the entire family.
Dena was one of my favorite people to work with, she always had a smile on her face for everyone, approached every problem with a positive attitude and worked with the entire group to reach a solution. I will miss her.
Luke and Michael were the love of her life, she always spoke fondly and of pride bout her family.
I was unable to attend Dena’s last farewell, but I had heard that I could say my goodbyes here.
When Dena came to the City of Federal Way, she was such a positive force, and so gracious and joyful. Later there were disappointments in fulfilling her job, dictated by higher authorities, but she dealt with them with grace.
We were able to go to her wedding. It was wonderful, with so many of her friends and family there at Dumas Bay Centre’s chapel.
Later I met with her after she had been disagnosed with cancer, and once again she showed such a can-do attitude towards her illness; I left amazed, humbled, and with prayers. I’m so grateful to have known Dena, and for the legacy she left us of positive attitude, perserverance and love.
Sorry for your loss. Dena was a great person and an inspiration. She led a full life and accomplished a lot during her 39 years of life. She will be greatly missed by all who had the priviledge to know her.
My deepest sympathies go out to you on Dena’s passing. I babysat Dena many years ago, and she was such a bundle of bright energy. I’m happy to hear that she continued to live her life in much the same way! Luke–you would have liked playing with your mom when she was a little girl. She was a lot of fun! But she might have put your hair in ponytails! Please take care.
I am just now learning of this. I thought the world of Dena and so did everyone who knew you at Vanderbilt. May your family feel all of the love and prayers streaming to surround them and your precious, beautiful spirit, dear Dena.