Dineen Mary Grow

MONONA - Dineen Grow passed away on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. Dineen was born in Lancaster, Calif., on Dec. 21, 1957, the "oldest and wisest" of nine children born to Kenneth and Nora (neé Foley) Grow. She grew up in Monona, Wis., and graduated from Monona Grove High School.

Upon graduation, she attended the UW-Madison and was employed by the Memorial Library on campus. She spent 37 years working for the library system; a place she loved and where she met many life-long friends. It was while working on campus that she had a chance to meet people from all over the world, which instilled in her an appreciation for other cultures and love of travel. She volunteered for over 40 years with the Madison Friends of International Students and enjoyed playing host to new students coming to campus.

Dineen loved all things Irish and spent many years as a teacher of the Irish Language. Teaching was a source of great joy for her. As the founder and president of the Celtic Cultural Center of Madison, Dineen was involved in organizing many Irish Festivals, Celtic related workshops, and Irish Language immersion programs, both locally and regionally. Other interests included genealogy, volunteering for political and social causes, and attending musical events. Above all of these interests, however, was the time she spent with her family. Whether traveling with her sisters, singing by the campfire, spending holidays with all of her nieces and nephews, or just hanging out with each other, she felt blessed to have such a large family.

Dineen is survived by her mother, Nora; siblings, Scott (Terri), Torri, Kelly, Sherry (Dennis) Anderson, Terry (Frank) Racut, Kerry (Mary Ann), Molly (P.J.) Crossen and Rebecca (Tidiane Touré); and many many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews; and extended family including her aunt, Terry Clements; and many cousins whom she dearly loved. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Everly Grow; and her nephew, Sawyer Crossen.

Dineen leaves behind many friends from all over the world whose friendship she cherished. A very special thank you to Denise Rasmussen Vial for being there with Dineen and her family. Also, a special remembrance to her dear friend, Barb Lea Kruger, who was like a sister to her. The family also wishes to thank Dineen’s nurse at UW Hospital, Megan, for her kindness and compassionate care. Dineen was a loving, selfless daughter, sister and aunt.  She will be greatly missed.

Mo Ghra Dhaoibh Go Deo (My love to you forever).

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wisconsin Public Television.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.