Denise M. (O'Dea) Drushler

Denise M. (O’Dea) Drushler, 73, of Newark, Delaware passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.  Born in Buffalo, New York on November 20, 1952, she was the daughter of the late James and Geraldine (Bucella) O’Dea. 

Denise was a graduate of Mt. Mercy Academy, class of 1970, and earned an Associate’s Degree in elementary education from Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York.  She continued her education at Buffalo State College, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education and her Master’s Degree in social work.  Denise possessed a love for children and enjoyed her career as a teacher, with a special fondness for the primary grades.  

Denise embraced charismatic Catholicism and played guitar with various church musical groups, often gravitating towards Spanish groups.  She was also a member of the Secular Franciscan Order.  Denise was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and enjoyed participating in the Buffalo St. Patrick’s Day Parade during her younger years.

Denise is survived by her sons, Alfred Drushler and wife, Cathy, Jeremiah Drushler and wife, Jamie, and Chris Drushler; her beloved granddaughters, Amelia, Anna and Allison Drushler; her sister, Terry Michalek and husband, Arthur; her brothers, James O’Dea Jr., Patrick O’Dea and wife, Kathy.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Friday, May 15 from 10:00 – 11:00AM, with a traditional Wake Service for a Member of the Secular Franciscan Order at 11:00AM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica, 767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, New York 14218 on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Denise may be made to the Sr. Ellen O'Keefe, SSJ Angel Fund, c/o OLV Charities, 780 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, New York 14218 (https://www.olvbasilica.org/sister-ellen-angel-fund).

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