It is with broken hearts that we announce Denise's sudden passing at her home in New Westminster on February 8, 2022, with her best fur buddy Zoe by her side.
Denise was born in Vancouver to Tom and Dorothy (Wildman) Roper on November 26, 1955. As a loyal and devoted daughter, she lovingly cared for her parents throughout their lifetime.
Denise was blessed with two sons, Tommy Hunter and his wife Rauni Sue and Sean Cody Hunter. Committed to family, Denise maintained a supportive, loving and lifelong friendship with her husband and soulmate Ken Hunter.
Denise and Ken shared a love of nature, travel and adventure which they often enjoyed with their close group of family and friends.
As stellar party hosts, Denise and Ken always found ways to bring people together. This included annual summer vacations to Long Beach, BC. where Denise, as the steadfast organizer of these trips, brought together her quiltwork of friends and created cherished memories for so many of us and our families.
Denise loved and took great pride in her family and their accomplishments. She will be dearly missed by her siblings Louise Roper and partner Chris Wilkening, Tom Roper and wife Sarah Tomlinson, Norm Roper and many extended family members including in-laws, nieces, nephews and new and lifelong friends.
Denise's career started in the Deli department at Woodwards and then Super Valu in Burnaby. After that she began working at Safeway where she stayed until she retired.
Denise was a diligent and hard worker and enjoyed the people she met throughout her career at Safeway, many of whom became lifelong friends.
She also enjoyed being involved in the charitable work Safeway was doing in the community which was in keeping with her desire to give back.
In addition to being a vivacious, creative, kind and benevolent soul, Denise was a born caretaker. She was passionate about the wellbeing of others and the causes she believed in.
She was tenacious and resourceful when it came to getting things done or finding ways to help care for family, friends or strangers in their time of need.
Denise was a special and thoughtful person who enriched our lives. Her passing is a huge loss to all of those who were fortunate to be part of her circle.
Her family wishes to thank everyone for their support during this unexpected and difficult time.
You are invited to join the family in celebrating Denise's life on Saturday July 23rd. Interment at 11:00 a.m. at North Vancouver Cemetery, 1700 Lillooet Road , North Vancouver. Location to meet at the Cemetery is Block 105A-Lot 05. There is a detailed cemetery map online .
Reception to follow from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm at Holiday Inn & Suites, 700 Old Lillooet Road, North Vancouver. Lots of free parking.
If you plan to attend, it is not necessary, but we would welcome your RSVP to Ken Hunter either at his cell 778-837-4555 or by email to khunken@shaw.ca as soon as you can and preferably by no later than June 30th.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honour Denise's memory, a donation to her recent favourite charities, The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary at www.reteti.org or The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org would be most appreciated.