Marcella 'Dena' Horne

Marcella “Dena” G. Horne, 66, of Greenfield, died early Saturday morning, November 11, 2017, in the comfort of her home with her husband of 30 years by her side along with her family pets.

She was born on January 26, 1951 in Springfield, MA, the daughter of James B and Janice Rose (LaFlamm) Wilson. She grew up in Springfield and was a member of the Class of 1969 from Commerce High School.

On August 26, 1990, Dena married Christopher Charles Horne, in a ceremony at the L.I.H.A. Reservation in Sanbornton, NH. Together they made Greenfield their home for over 30 years.

She worked most of her life in social services but most recently for the American Legion Department of New Hampshire as an accredited Veterans Service Officer advocating for veterans in pursuing their VA benefits. Simultaneously, she worked for the Congregational Covenant Church in Greenfield in their Food and Clothing pantry. She retired to her home garden nursery in 2000 after 10 years of service as a veteran’s service representative.

Dena was a Past President of the Laconia Indian Historical Association (LIHA). She helped craft the language to bring NH into compliance with the federal NAGPRA Act (New Hampshire Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act). She was also a former editor for Riding Free Magazine, as well as a published author of poetry.

She is survived by her husband, of 27 years: Christopher C. Horne, of Greenfield; her daughter: Melissa Gregoire and her husband Peter of Hillsborough; her sister: Keli Murphy of Canaan, NH; a brother: James Wilson of Wylie, TX, his daughter Kilasandra Rose Wilson; a grandchild: Cameron; her nieces: Alexandra-Marie Kendall, Cassondra-Kim Tibbits; her mother: Janice Wilson of Springfield, MA and many more nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, James Bannerman Wilson.

A graveside service will be held at the Greenvale Cemetery on Forest Road / Route 31 South, Greenfield, NH on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 12:00 Noon.

Memorial donations may be made in Dena’s name, to the Congregational Covenant Church, 12 Depot Rd, Greenfield, NH 03047, Attn: Rev. Dan Osgood; earmarked "FOOD PANTRY".