From Donna

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart.

Happy Birthday, little sister.

We love and miss you more than we ever thought possible.

RIP, Denise.

Birthday Messages

Today is your birthday and all I can think of is that you were the greatest gift I ever had. I miss you and wish you were here. Heaven is lucky to have you. Happy Birthday Denise.

- Greg

No matter how many years go by, No matter how many tears I cry, No matter how hard I try, I just can't say goodbye. Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister. I love you and miss you every day. . . .

- Diane

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

- Katie

Lunch at Azteca in honor of Denise's Birthday

Denise's favorite people got together at Azteca which is her favorite Ohio Mexican restaurant: Maddie, Mariya, Katie, Conni, Kim, Wendy, Tommy, and Greg (taking the picture).

Happy Birthday Denise!!

We wish you all of your favorite things on your birthday!!!

From Donna Martin

Denise with Donna's daughter, Shawna, in about 1986.

Denise and Donna, Halloween 1984.

Denise on Sept. 4, 1982 at Donna's wedding.

I will always think of Denise as my best friend for life.

- Donna (Martin) Doty

From Maddie

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Mom!!! I think about you and miss you everyday. . .I wish you were here to celebrate with us, It's crazy how our lives have changed so quickly. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Mom. 03/27/58 - 04/28/09.
- Maddie

March 27

Your Birthday is the 27th

You wouldn't want a fuss

Just to be remembered

And loved by all of us.

You were too young to die Denise

Too precious for us to lose.

No one else in this world

Will ever be the same as you.

Happy Birthday Denise!!!

You are someone I could talk to,
And on whom I could depend,
You were more than just my sister,
You were also my best friend.

I seldom ask for miracles,
But today just one will do,
To have the front door open,
And have Denise walk through.

You've gone where we can't see you.
Your voice we cannot hear.
I believe you walk beside us.
Never absent. Always near.

July 2002 at the Dallas Aquarium

Denise broke her leg playing softball that summer and was in a wheelchair.