Madelyn D. Bandera "Denise" , 78, of Walpole died peacefully on September 26, 2020 at her residence, surrounded by her children and beloved husband to whom she was married to on June 30, 2000.
Born in Norwood on July 3, 1942, she was a daughter to the late Timothy Conolly and Madeline Hebert and sister to the late Jane E. Bligh of Stoughton, MA.
She was raised in Norwood, MA and a 1960 graduate of Norwood High School. She went on to business school after high school.
Denise worked in various positions at Telco Systems, Dunkin Companies, and Century 21 Real Estate.
Denise had an enormous amount of friends and always a packed social schedule. A tennis player, golfer, bowler, beach bum, and founder of the cribbage club at Royal Crest condominiums. As an outstanding cook, holidays and any other special occasion always had great food which was a major focal point for weeks before and after.
Her most famous quotes were “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all”, “good food makes every occasion better”, “pick a hand”, and most especially, “everything always looks better after a good night’s sleep” and “never quit a job until you have another one.” Many described her as “cute as a button but tough as nails.”
In addition to her husband of 20 years, Robert “Tony” Bandera, she leaves her six children: Shawn Michael, Timothy Connolly, Kristin Ann, Beth Ann, Jeffrey James, and Kevin James; 9 grandchildren; Zachery Shawn, Stephanie May, Mathew John, Joseph Timothy, Coral Lee, Colin Austin, Shane James, Sydney Lee, and Dillon Robert whom will always remember their “Grammy Denise” as warm, loving, generous, funny, with sparkly shoes and an apron.
Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Tuesday 4-8 pm. Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions, only 25 guests are allowed in the funeral home at a time. Masks are required, and guests should bring their own pens to sign the register book. Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church Canton Wednesday morning at 10. Interment private. Donations may be made in her memory to Season’s Hospice 1 Edgewater Dr. Norwood, MA 02062.