Aline F. (Constantinesco) Dennison

Dennison, Aline F. (nee Constantinesco), 66, of Southbury, Conn. was born on July 23, 1951 and passed away July 4, 2018 following a courageous battle with leukemia.

Aline was a passionate educator whose ear-to-ear smile could illuminate any room she walked into. Her license plate read "Madame," a title she cherished during her 43 years as a French teacher in the Danbury School system. 

She was a teacher to the core, even early on. Born in Paris, she immigrated with her parents to Montreal, where she was enrolled in an English-speaking school. By the time they moved to the United States, Aline, at just 7 years old, served as the family's interpreter and unofficial English teacher as they adjusted to life in a new country.

Being the oldest of five children, guidance and leadership came naturally to Aline, who was often called upon to look after her four younger brothers as her parents worked double shifts.  For her, diving head-first into teaching seemed like a rather natural path.

After graduating from Cardinal Spellman High School in New York City, she earned a bachelor's degree from Western Connecticut State University and embarked on a fulfilling career of teaching French as a second language. She started at Rogers Park Middle School before spending the bulk of her working years at Danbury High School.

As much as she loved standing at the front of the classroom, she was just as comfortable being a student, evidenced by her desire to return to school and earned a Masters degree in French language and literature from Fairfield University and a 6th year certification in Administration/Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University. 

Aline was adored by her students and colleagues because of her outgoing personality, creative lesson plans (usually filled with games) and her enthusiasm while organizing "field trips" to France and Quebec for large groups of students.

With a belief that learning a new language can serve as a bridge to appreciating other cultures, Aline taught her students that making a linguistic mistake is simply a stepping stone to connecting with the world around them. 

Aline fell for teaching first, but her true love was her family. She met her late husband, Robert, while she was working as a grocery store clerk. During the course of their 42-year marriage, they had Christopher, their son whom they treasured beyond words. Family time often meant football games, rounds of golf in Hilton Head and taking their boat out on one of Connecticut's many bodies of water. 

This mother, sister, aunt, friend and former Danbury Teacher of the Year winner left us with some important lessons that transcend borders and language barriers: That being "willing to learn how to learn" is half the battle. That more important than words are gestures, like extending a helping hand and offering a beaming smile. That kindness is a universal language we can all carry forward. 

Aline Dennison is survived by her son, Christopher Dennison; four brothers, Frederik Constantinesco (Lizette), William Constantinesco (Deborah), James Constantinesco, Nicholas Constantinesco (Christine); and many adoring nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and parents, Nicholas and Jacqueline Constantinesco.   

Aline's amazing spirit will be celebrated Sunday July 8, 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. At Munson Lovetere Funeral Home  235 Main Street North  Southbury, CT 06488. A burial will be held Tuesday July 10, 11:00A.M. at The Veterans Cemetery 317 Bow Lane Middletown, CT 06457.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: 3 Landmark Square #330 Stamford, CT 06901.

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