Anne Mangion writes:
On March 8, my dearest friend Denise passed away to a better place after losing her valiant battle with cancer.
I first got to know Denise in Grade 3, when we were placed in adjacent desks. From an early age, Denise was kind and sensitive to others’ needs and was well loved by her classmates. In fact, at the end of Grade 6, when a student was selected through a vote to crown Our Lady in the annual ceremony at St Joseph’s School, she was voted for by the great majority of students in our form.
Denise and I followed the same path through Sixth Form and later followed the same degree course at University. Although very bright and one of the top students, she was always unassuming. Denise had an adventurous spirit and both as a student and later on throughout her life, her greatest passion was travelling.
In her career as pharmacist working in the same pharmacy for almost 30 years, Denise was respected and well loved by her clients, whom she always went out of her way to help.
Although Denise lost her father at a tender age, her mother Ersilia did a great job of raising her to be a responsible citizen with sound Catholic values. Denise was never afraid to stick to her principles and do what she felt was right. She also often voiced her concerns, ideas and opinions about things going on in her profession with politicians and regulatory organisations.
She was always there for me and her many other friends; she was someone you could confide in and who would give you an honest opinion and sound advice.
She will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace dear friend and enjoy your rewards in heaven.