Christine Elizabeth "Dena" Barcellona, 81, of Toms River, formerly of Carteret, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Ocean Medical Center in Brick. She was born in Rahway, NJ, raised in Carteret and moved to Toms River in 1986. Dena was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Carteret for many years. She graduated Carteret High School in 1962 and went on to obtain her Associates Degree from Middlesex College.

Dena and her husband, Tony were proud owners of Show Dogs and went to various competitions. Dena was an active member of the Schipperke Club of America and the Collie Club of America.

She is predeceased by her parents, Edna and William Thorn; and her husband, Anthony Barcellona. Dena is survived by her loving daughter, Paula Ann Keller and her husband, Douglas; grandchildren, Robert Amendola and his wife, Vanessa and Gregory Amendola; sister, Edna Mae Zaleski and her husband, Thomas; three nephews, Thomas, William and Daniel Zaleski and their families.

Funeral will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 starting at 9:30 AM at Synowiecki Funeral Home, 56 Carteret Avenue, Carteret, NJ, Service will be at 10 AM at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hazelwood Cemetery in Colonia. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 4 PM to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, 1 Humane Way, P.O. Box 43, Forked River, NJ 08731 would be appreciated.