Denese C. McIntyre, born September 27, 1955, in Durham, North Carolina, passed away on January 4, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. A vibrant woman full of life, Denese was known for her warmth, her unmistakable personality, and her very own unique vocabulary that those closest to her came to cherish.

Throughout her life, she answered to many names; Denese, Aunt Nese, Auntie, Mom, Mama, Grandma D, Grammy, and Punkin. Each name was special, carrying meaning and love from the person who spoke it, and each reflected the many roles she proudly held in the lives of her family.

Denese married in 1973 and throughout her life called many places home, ultimately settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she built lasting connections and touched countless lives. She was previously married to Walter Gregory McIntyre Sr., with whom she raised three sons who were the pride and joy of her life. She is survived by her sons: Walter McIntyre, married to Sandy, residing in Cambridge, Australia; Karl McIntyre, married to Gina, residing in Gilbert, AZ; and Kevin McIntyre, married to Alicia, residing in Westfield, Indiana.

Denese was a devoted grandmother to eleven grandchildren: KJ (Karl Jr) and his wife Jessica; Evan; Destiny and her fiancé Jacob; Tyson and partner Shaina; Jacoby and partner Haylee; Kale; Anastazia; Briana; Amaya; XL (Kevin Jr.); and Brooklynn. She was also blessed to have met and known all four of her great-grandchildren: TJ(Adonis), Myla, Zayde, and Lennox, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Her love for her grandchildren knew no bounds, and she took immense pride in each of them.

She is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews, as well as extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Denese was the kind of woman who was always there when you needed her. She took care of everyone, always putting others before herself and made sure those around her felt supported, loved, and never alone. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ruth Link, and her siblings Theresa Greene, Valerie Smiling, Tracie Huggins-Robinson, Clarence Link Jr, and Darrell Link.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late March. Details to follow