Denise Veronica Falkenstine

Our dear Denise departed us on Sunday the 1st of June after succumbing to complications following Chemotherapy. Denise was 58 and a retired Registered Nurse at University Medical Center and also served in the Air Force Reserve as a Medical Service Technician. She is survived by her husband Mark, her daughter Erika Haro (Manny) sons Gary Haro (Bailey) and Alan Haro (Summer), three grandchildren, Sorin, Amari and Lincoln, and parents Gilbert and Cecilia Cota-Robles. Denise will be missed by sisters Elaine (Jesus) Ann Margaret (Christian) and brother Martin (Nicole) and numerous other nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Her extended family would also include her many friends made through her life all the way through school, the neighborhood friends and her numerous work friends.

Denise retired shortly after Mark so that they could travel and take care of their grandchildren together. Denise was famous for taking care of her extended family all over Tucson and her car was always full of gifts and Rice Krispie treats for them. Her family will miss her encyclopedic knowledge of every relative’s name, their children's names, and birthdays. Her trusty Crown Victoria ("Blanca") put away many miles traveling to visit Aunts and Uncles and helping them with appointments and shopping. Denise was predeceased by her little Chihuahua that had a total of nine names but was commonly called Foxy aka "Rat." Denise enjoyed traveling and went on several trips to Europe with Mark in order to reconnect with long lost relatives. Denise loved camping in our little trailer on the beach at Rocky Point ("I'm not going unless you get beachfront") and the cool summer weather in San Diego - and visiting more relatives. She also enjoyed camping and hiking in the parks around Southern Arizona and Page had become a special place for her and Mark. She loved the zoo and the Desert Museum but did not like shopping (she claimed it made her eyes water). Denise enjoyed a good nap and was nicknamed Snorlax. She did not like fancy things and was happy with a Walmart CD player and her beach cruiser bicycle that she rode to work. She loved having big parties at the house and neighbors knew us as the family that always had the big get togethers.

Denise had unlimited love for all and was very protective of her children and grandchildren. She read Harry Potter to Erika, Alan, and Gary every night and she had unconditional love for them. Grandchildren were blessed with an extensive library and many trips to Sabino, Desert Museum and the zoo. Denise could always find the good in someone ("now say something positive"). Denise taught her grandchildren the words to Yellow Submarine and the National Anthem. We remember the family trips to San Diego in the summer in the old Midas motorhome.

Thank you, Auntie Di, for bringing Mark and Denise together at the Wildcat House 27 years ago.

Bye Veronica, we will see you later. Peace.