Marie Carmella Denton, 90, died peacefully on Aug. 30 at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville.
Mrs. Denton was born on Dec. 6, 1934, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. She spent a large part of her early career in Chattanooga, and as a single mother, she worked her way up from an entry-level position to vice president of administration at Republic Parking.
In the early 1990s, she moved to Knoxville to be near her family and was always the best “Nana” to her grandchildren. She worked for 35 years, up until age 88, at State Farm in Knoxville, first with Tom Brezeale and then for many years with the Cindy Doyle Agency.
Mrs. Denton was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gertrude Salerno of Niagara Falls, and a brother, Robert Salerno, also of Niagara Falls. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Denton (Nancy), and her three grandchildren, Jake Denton, Garrett Denton, and Katie Denton, all of Knoxville. She also is survived by her three nieces, Mary Salerno, Patti DesLauriers, and Sharon Salerno.
She leaves behind close friends Magna Smith and Pam Hoskins and her St. John Neumann Church family. The Church was a big part of her life, and Marie was very active until health issues slowed her down over the last five years. The family would like to say thank you to Cindy and Eddie Doyle for the support and love given to Marie, as well as the other State Farm staff she worked with over the years.
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Denton was celebrated at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut on Sept. 15, with an inurnment following in the parish columbarium.
Donations in Mrs. Denton’s memory may be made to Young-Williams Animal Center, 3210 Division St., Knoxville, TN, 37919.