Denise K. Malone

Denise K. Malone

April 13, 1958 – September 11, 2021

Today we celebrate the life of Denise Kay Malone, born to John and Pauline Malone April 13, 1958, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Denise enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Ralston, Nebraska, joined by two younger sisters, Kim and Lisa, as well as many loving extended family.  Denise loved the Omaha area, enjoying places like Peony Park, Henry Doorly Zoo, and picnics in Elm Park.  She also enjoyed activities such as sleigh riding and camping, as well as visiting her grandparents, aunts and uncles.

One of Denise’s favorite activities was family travel, and John and Pauline remember Denise as a content and patient traveler. She loved travel due to the freedom it allowed her. Her family travels took her to the Black Hills, Rocky Mountains, Saint Louis, Montana, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.  Throughout her life, Denise had a vivid memory of all these family trips and spoke of them often.

Although Denise did not have a formal education, in today’s terms she was home schooled by her mother and spent many hours in special needs tutoring.  Pauline made it a priority to educate Denise in reading, writing, and basic life skills.  Throughout Denise’s life, Pauline was her teacher and advocate while John was her protector and male figure.  John treated Denise with dignity and love no matter how she acted or looked. Denise was his girl.

Denise was one of the first clients to participate in Nebraska’s Special Needs Workshops.  Throughout, John and Pauline were always involved as advocates, not only for Denise, but also other special needs clients and their families.  Until a few months ago, Denise lived in a special needs group home not far from John and Pauline.  They brought Denise to their home often during this time they enjoyed Sunday afternoons, holidays, birthday celebrations, fishing, walks, and wonderful homemade meals.

Denise was passionate about music and that allowed her to escape to another place full of joy!  Although Denise didn’t communicate well, she often amazed us with how she knew every word to any song played.  Christmas songs were her favorite so during the holidays she sang both loudly and proudly.  It brings our family great joy thinking about Denise enjoying the music in heaven, oh how sweet the sound!  Thank you for all the family, friends, staff, caregivers that helped Denise throughout her life.  She will be missed but always remembered and loved.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 15^th from 9:30am to 10am at the West Center Chapel, followed by SERVICES at 10am.  Interment will be private.  Memorials may be directed to the family.