Denise Cronin, 32

Our beloved Denise “Nisey,” “Dee,” passed away at Oregon Health and Science University Hospital on Dec. 2, 2019, after a long battle with diabetes and autoimmune diseases. A free spirit, Denise was known as being generous and full of mercy.

Denise was born on Oct. 13, 1987, to Suzanne Fraser and Dennis Cronin in Sarasota, Florida. When Denise was 4, her father Dennis moved to Portland but continued to support Denise and her brother, Kevin. Her father taught Denise to love the outdoors, particularly Clear Lake, Oregon, and Rockaway Beach, Oregon.

Denise moved to Portland and finished her high school years. As a young adult, Denise moved back to Florida to help her mother in raising other children. In 2010 Denise experienced some of the happiest moments of her life with the birth of her son Cai Sumrall. With the help of her grandmother, Sandy Manno, Denise moved to be with her mother, Suzanne, in Kalispell in 2012.

As an adult, Denise preferred to be called Dee. Dee had many special friends in Kalispell. She loved spending time with her friends and loved family get-togethers. Denise adored her siblings, Kevin, Bri, Daniel and Karys. Most importantly, she cherished her son Cai and wanted him to have the best life could offer him. He is now a student at Hedges Elementary in Kalispell.

Denise’s family would like to thank the many nurses and doctors at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and OHSU who cared for Denise.

A celebration of life and remembrance time will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23, at Scotty’s on Hwy. 93.