M. Denise Gildea

M. Denise Gildea (Kitchenman), of Levittown, died on Friday, June 11, 2010 of complications from a stroke. She was 86.Born in Noumea, New Caledonia, Marie Denise Vigoureux, has been a resident of Levittown since 1962. She met her first husband, Earl Kitchenman, at a dance which was chaperoned by her mother. Earl was a soldier stationed in Noumea, an Allied Millitary Base in WWII. After the couple married in Noumea, she left the island for the first time, and made her way by ship to San Francisco, then by train to Philadelphia, where she was reunited with Earl. She was an active member of Queen of the Universe parish where she was involved with the Altar Society and several prayer groups. She did her best to attend mass daily. She enjoyed gardening and cooking, but spending time with her family brought her the most joy. Mrs. Gildea was the beloved wife of the late Earl J. Kitchenman and the late Walter J. Gildea Sr. She was preceded in death by her dear friend John Manrodt. She was the loving mother of Ronald and his wife Ann Kitchenman of Churchville, Dennis Kitchenman of Levittown, Robert and his wife Linda Kitchenman of Feasterville and Eric Kitchenman of Lansdale. She was the devoted grandmother of Brian, Erin, Andrew, Kara, Patrick, Matthew, Renee, Mark, Lauren and the late Lisa and was the great grandmother of Nicholas, Rachel, Daniel, Shannon, Gavin, Cayleigh and Jackson. She was the sister of Danielle Etshman, Jacqueline Henry, Alfrede Vincent and the late Marie-Jo Peyronnet. She will also be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to call Tuesday from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Universe Church, 2443 Trenton Rd., Levittown, PA 19056 where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Queen of the Universe Church.