Dena Cruz

2/16/1946 – 2/7/2025

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Dena Marie Clagett Cruz, 78, a shining example of warmth and strength, a longtime member of Christ Church in Accokeek, and several hereditary societies, passed away on February 7, 2025, at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

Dena was born in Washington, D.C., on February 16, 1946, to the late John Hancock “Johnnie” Clagett, Jr. and Jennie de Wilde Clagett of Prince George’s County.

Dena shared over five decades of marriage with her devoted husband, Jose Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador, South America. They married in 1971 and made their home in Accokeek, Maryland, on property in the Clagett family for generations.

She worked for the Federal Government for 40 years in various positions and departments, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Office of Emergency Preparedness, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the White House in 1982 (Reagan Administration), and the U.S. House of Representatives. She retired from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2005.

Dena was passionate about preserving historical records and knowledge of her family lineage while honoring her ancestors and learning more about their lives and contributions to history. She has been a Hereditary Society Member for many years, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, the National Society of Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, the Daughters of 1812, the Daughters of the American Colonists, the Daughters of Founders and Patriots, the First Families of Maryland, and a member of the Jamestown Society.

In addition to serving on boards in various hereditary societies, she volunteered for many years as a registrar and newsletter editor at Christ Church, Accokeek. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, and Eastern Shore family at Rehoboth Beach, working outside around the house, collecting decoys, reading, and watching old movies.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Jennie Clagett; her brother, John H. “Jay” Clagett III; and nephew, Jeffrey Clagett (Dionyssia).

Dena, beloved mother and “Mom Mom” is survived by her husband, Jose Anibal Cruz; her loving son, Damon Clagett Cruz (Mary); her two grandchildren, Olivia Christine Cruz and Ethan Thomas Cruz; her nephew, John H. Clagett IV; her niece, Christine Barbour (Michael), and great-niece, Ginny Barbour.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Church, Accokeek, MD (600 Farmington Rd. W. Accokeek, MD) on Saturday, February 22, 2025—Viewing 9-11 a.m., Service 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Burial 12-12:30 p.m. A celebration of life gathering will follow the services at Ten Point Acres, Brandywine, MD.

In lieu of flowers, Dena's wishes are that you donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Please dedicate your donation to Dena Cruz at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/.