Denise Howard

Denise Marie Howard “Sis” died peacefully at home in the arms of her husband Mark, and her son John, on July 7, 2018. She was 63 years old. Denise was born to John and Rita Howard, November 17th, 1955. As the second born of eight children, Denise learned at an early age to adore babies and children. She grew up in Albuquerque, attended Queen of Heaven grade school and Del Norte High School. After spending her young adult life in the Pacific Northwest, she came back to New Mexico where she found her calling as a phlebotomist. She was employed by Maternity and Infant Care at UNM for 16 years. Denise is preceded in death by her father John Howard; her mother Rita Howard and her sister Diane Howard. She is survived by her partner of 28 years, Mark Jerge; her daughter Rita Gatt; her son John Wells; step daughter Jeanette Jordan Jakob; grandchildren, Halo, Page, Ruby Gatt and Destiny Wells; her brothers, John, Kelly, Steve and Scott Howard; sisters, Debbie Howard and Marci Martinez, and several nieces and nephews. Denise leaves behind her two faithful companions Sweetie Pie and Pretzel, who sat closely by her side as she fought cancer. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Albuquerque Humane Society in Denise’s memory.