Denise M. (Pepe) Denkenberger

Denise Marie (Pepe) Denkenberger, 68, of East Syracuse passed away on December 23, 2022. Her hardworking nature and sharp mind led her to a long term career of accounting at the Onondaga County Health Department where she enjoyed relationships with her coworkers. She spoke fondly of her coworkers, joked with them often, and loved them like family.

As a young woman she was adventurous, fiery and free
spirited. She loved spending time with her large family, riding her motorcycle and racing her mauve camaro. Her lifelong dream to become a mother was deeply inspired by the relationship she had with her own parents, who always went above and beyond for their own children. She was gifted with cake decoration and sewing, a skill which was taught to her by her mother Gertrude. Denise could be counted on to make the most perfect cake, dress, costume, doll or craft, which she loved to give with the utmost care. She was proud to create in memory of her mother. Regarding her blue ribbon prize quilt submission, to the New York State Fair, she always said, “I did it for my Mom.”

Denise lived her life on her own terms, had tremendous personal strength and was resilient in the face of life’s obstacles. Despite the hardships she faced, she would drop everything to be there for you in your time of need offering anything she could do to help. Friends and family knew that if they were down and out they could count on Denise to be there for them. She was full of love and self sacrifice for those who needed her.

Denise was predeceased by her brother David Pepe and her loving parents, Carmen and Gertrude (Skurpski) Pepe whom she adored.

Denise is survived by her three children, Laura (Charlie) Watson, Matthew Pawloski, and Courtney (fiance, Alex Seamans) Denkenberger; and her grandson Nehemiah Watson. She is also survived by her brothers, Daniel (Lenora) Pepe, Dale (Jill) Pepe, and Daryl (Melissa) Pepe and her dear nieces and nephews whom she loved as if they were her own children. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Matthewson - Forani at 206 Kinne St., East Syracuse. Calling hours are 10am-12pm with the funeral service immediately following at Noon.

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