Having appreciated a wonderfully happy and fortunate life, Denise closed her bright eyes peacefully at 1:17pm on April 27. Denise was born on September 16, 1950 to Helen and Frank Teskey on Davisville Avenue in Toronto. Denise and Tom were married in 1974 and raised six wonderful children. In 1996, they moved their family home to Victoria. Above all, Denise was completely dedicated to caring for her family and others. Her home has always been a welcoming place. Her greatest joy came from her relationships with all children, especially her own children and grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, May 1st between 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Etele Family house (1790 Broadmead Avenue). This is an open house in Denise’s tradition, so you are welcome to drop in at any time. There will be no formal ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation to a charity of your choice. Denise believed in helping everyone.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and support staff at Victoria General Hospital who graciously cared for her during her last two months.
She continues lovingly in the hearts of all whom she touched and her spirit remains in the cosmos.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
Sequoia Gardens Memorial
www.mccallbros.com
30 Responses
My sincere condolences to Tom and the rest of the Etele family . May Denise rest in peace and watch over all of you .
My heartfelt condolences to Tom, Mike, Christine, Bob, Joe, Steve, and Mud on your enormous loss. Denise was such a sweet and fun filled person who was kind and helpful at all times. I first met Denise 44 years ago when we worked at the Banff Springs Hotel and were assigned as roommates. Denise worked on the phones in room service and I was a waitress. It seemed like Denise knew everyone and our time there was more like summer camp with a bit of work and a lot of hiking, fun and adventure thrown in. Denise was very social, quick to find fun and full of laughter. I was blessed to have met her and to have her as my friend. Over the years we stayed in touch although she lived in Toronto and I in Vancouver. She always made us feel so welcome in her home whenever we visited. More than anything, Denise was completely devoted to her family – her loving husband Tom and those 6 wonderful children. She was fortunate to be blessed with many grandchildren who were very special to her. Her sparkle lives on through her children and grandchildren. My deepest condolences to all her family.
I had the great privilege to meet Denise on a couple of occasions. The most memorable was when there was a run up near Long Beach. Christine, my friend, invited me to cook for everyone (I definitely don’t run) and it was a really fun time due to all the wonderful women there. Denise was fun, kind and very inclusive this her daughter learned from her. I love to watch(through Facebook) when the family got together, they all seemed so fun, grounded and like a family. The grandchildren were always at the forefront.
To you all I extend my heartfelt condolences and know that she lives on through this wonderful family of hers.
Blessings to you all
Denise you gave Laura and myself a card inviting us to stay at your B & B in Victoria ( not actually a B & B but your way to get us out to the beautiful west ). The card had stickers of love all over it. Your entire life was a devotion to love of family and to others. You never stopped. What an example. Thanks for your roll as an aunt to our children, you were always interested in their well being and showed love.
A person dies only if they are forgotten, well Denise we will never forget you and thanks for being such a loving and caring sister. As dad used to say ” they don’t come any better.”All our love, Laura & Steve, Julia & Ben, Bryan and Gary.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Etele family. Aunt Denise was a wonderful lady and so kind and giving to everyone. Everytime I see fireworks now I will remember the wonderful Victoria Days watching the fireworks from the front lawn on Spadina Road. It was so nice to be able to see her and Uncle Tom at the family reunion at Uncle Steve and Aunt Laura’s before Julia’s wedding. We love you all. xoxo Michelle, Kevin, Kristina and Andrew
Tom and family please know you are all in my thaughts and preyers .Its a great loss as she was a special lady. I thank you as I was able to meet her and share grandchildren love and hugs to you all
My sincere condolence to all of Denise’s family. I only met her once but she looked after me when I was poorly at a villa in Vegas with her and the rest of the clan. I did not realise she was ill . I m so sad as she was still young. I am the same age and how to go on for a while yet. My thoughts go out to all who will be touched by her passing.
How blessed we are to share our grandchildren with Tom and the lovely Denise, our daughter Angela could not have picked a nicer mother in law, the entire Etele family are without a doubt the kindess most loving family I know.
It breaks my heart to know she will no longer be at the helm but she left behind an amazing group of kids who are themselves raising the same loving caring wee people. God bless you Tom and family and rest In Peace Denise, your legacy will live on. She is not gone but just…away! Kathleen and Ric Harvie. XX
Condolences from all of us here in the Long home. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman. Thinking of you, Mike and the kids. Take care of one another at this time, and always.
My thoughts, condolences and hugs go out to the whole Etele clan. Denise was such an openly friendly and caring person. I love how she made everyone feel welcome and showed genuine interest in others. RIP Denise. You will be missed but remembered fondly.