Denise Dewey, 56

Denise Glenda Dewey, died Sept. 26, after a 17-year battle with abdominal liposarcoma cancer. She was 56.

Denise was born on May 26, 1953 in Spokane, to N. Keith and Ursula E. Dewey. She married William Gerard, Dec. 27, 2003, on Bainbridge Island.

Denise grew up on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, and attended John Hay Elementary, Worth McClure Junior High School and Queen Anne High School. She attended Central Washington College and graduated from Eastern Washington University. Denise worked for the Seattle School District, Bainbridge Island School District and recently, the Arlington School District.

She loved to read, quilt, travel and explore. Most importantly, she had a love for life, friends and family.

Denise is preceded in death by her mother, Ursula E. Dewey. She is survived by husband William Gerard, of Stanwood; daughter Nadine Nagamatsu, Brooklyn, N.Y.; stepdaughter NaTessa Plum, Lake Stevens; stepson Billy Gerard, Marysville, two granddaughters, NaKayla Hampson, Stanwood, and Gabby Gerard, Denmark; grandson Griffin Gerard, Denmark; her father N. Keith Dewey, Worley, Ida.; sisters Daylene Ure, St. George, Utah and Dana Bonawitz, Spokane; brother David Dewey, Everett and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services are scheduled for 3 p.m., Oct. 10 at Presidents Elementary School, 505 E. Third St., Arlington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evergreen Hospice, Evergreen Healthcare Foundation, 12040 NE 128th St. MS5, Kirkland, WA 98034.