As the Wood County Committee on Aging mourns the loss of Executive Director Denise Niese, who died on Nov. 29, senior center officials want to assure local residents that services will continue in her absence.
A true advocate for the older adults of Wood County, Niese fought tirelessly so that those without a voice can be heard. Her trailblazing spirit coupled with her sincere smile made the needs of those around her a top priority.
While this is a difficult time for so many of those with the WCCOA, it should be noted that there will be no interruption to services. All sites will remain open, and hot nutritious meals will continue to be served throughout the county both at senior centers and through the home delivered meal program.
“Our priority is to ensure that older adults throughout the county can continue to visit their local senior center for programs, meals and the friendships that have developed throughout the years,” WCCOA officials stated today (12/3) in a press release.
The WCCOA Governing Board is moving forward with the selection of an interim executive director who will be named soon. Then the process to find a permanent executive director will continue.
“The process will ensure that the next executive director will be someone that is willing to continue the legacy that Denise has made,” the press release noted.
A celebration of life for Niese will be held after the holiday season in early 2025. Once a date and location are finalized, more information will be shared. Any information that lists a funeral service in 2024 is false information and should be ignored, senior center officials stressed.
“We certainly hope that you will keep her husband Dale and their family in your thoughts during this difficult time,” the press release said.
The Wood County Committee on Aging consists of senior centers in Bowling Green, Grand Rapids, North Baltimore, Pemberville, Perrysburg, Rossford, Walbridge and Wayne. Visit www.wccoa.net for more information on each site or to download a copy of the newsletter which contains information about the activities that take place at each location.
The mission of the Wood County Committee on Aging is to provide older adults with services and programs which empower them to remain independent and improve the quality of their lives. For information on programs and services, contact the WCCOA at 419-353-5661 or 800-367-4935 or www.wccoa.net.
