Denise Harris

September 10, 1955 - August 3, 2023

Miami, Florida - With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Denise Harris at the age of 67 on August 3, 2023. Surrounded by the warmth of her family, Denise gracefully concluded a valiant battle against brain tumors.

Born in the serene town of Frostburg, Maryland to the esteemed Nicholas and Jane Harris, Denise's journey was a testament to her dedication, resilience and immense love. She was not only a cherished wife, mother, daughter, and sister, but also an unparalleled figure in the nursing community.

Denise's academic achievements began at Wootton High School, she then earned her nursing degree from the prestigious University of Maryland. Her pursuit of excellence continued as she accomplished a dual MBA/MSN from the University of Miami.

Spanning over four decades, Denise's nursing career was nothing short of remarkable. For thirty-six passionate years, she served Baptist Health. She embarked on her journey at Baptist Hospital in 1980 as a diligent Suncapper traveler in the ICU. Denise's relentless energy, combined with her unyielding dedication, saw her ascend to roles of great leadership and influence. Her tenure included invaluable contributions as the Chief Nursing Officer of Baptist Health Outpatient Services. In 2010, Denise's accomplishments reached a pinnacle when she was appointed Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. A testament to her leadership, the hospital achieved the coveted Magnet designation under her stewardship, an accolade that stands as the zenith of nursing excellence. Beyond her institutional roles, Denise was an active member of the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (FONE) and various other nursing organizations.

Denise's legacy is immortalized not only through her professional accomplishments, but in the countless lives she touched with her empathy, wisdom and mentorship. Her loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of many.

She is now reunited in peace with her parents, Nick and Jane. Her legacy is carried forward by her devoted husband of 32 years, Israel Mendoza, their two children, Nicholas (Briana) and Tatiana, and her supportive sisters, Marcia Harris, Nicki Rhoda, and Nina Stroebel, along with many relatives and friends who were touched by her grace.

A memorial service celebrating Denise's life and legacy will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 12 p.m., at Baptist Hospital, Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her memory be made to the Baptist Health Foundation/Nurse Scholars Program in honor of Denise Harris. Donations can be made directly online at DonateNow (BaptistHealthGiving.net). To make a gift by check, please make check payable to Baptist Health Foundation and mail to: Baptist Health South Florida Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 748853, Atlanta, GA 30374-8853.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald on Oct. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Denise Harris

8 Entries

Laurel Clark

November 21, 2024

I am sad to learn this evening that Denise has passed on.
I was reflecting this evening on my enduring attitude to overcome system barriers especially when they stand in the way of doing the right thing. I attained this work ethic from working under Denise at WKBH as the Bioethics and Patient Rights Coordinator. I witnessed and learned from her resolve for process improvement. When faced with obstacles, she taught me the value of teamwork and the necessity to face and dismantle system barriers that can impede quality patient care.
RIP Denise and may perpetual light shine upon you. Thank you for passing on to me this passion for nursing and leadership.

Flor Aguirre

October 23, 2023

Denise was a visionary. I worked with her and under her at Baptist Hospital from the 1990´s till she moved to West Kendall Baptist. She embraced new job descriptions for nurses and led implementation of new projects.
I will never forget our lunches where we discussed our family lives and how to cope with working full time and parenting.
She was a fighter. She shared with me her diagnosis and treatment because of my specialty and I was honored by her trust.
Rest in peace my friend...

Jeanette Cooper, RN

October 7, 2023

I first met Denise when she was an ICU nurse and I sent her my patient from the Emergency Dept.
We were on different
committees through the years.
I met her again at West Kendall, where she was
CNO and I started volunteering in the
Chaplain´s office.
We would reminisce about `Baptist´.
She was an excellent nurse who became an exceptional leader!
Jeanette Cooper,RN
(I got to the chapel at Baptist today, only to realize the service was in the auditorium, and too far to walk, so I watched the service on zoom.)
My condolences to all her family.

Beth Willmitch

October 7, 2023

Denise was my assistant nurse manager when I first started to work at Baptist Hospital in the ICU in 1986. She was a wonderful friend and mentor, and an inspiration to us all.

Floralynn Lacrete

October 4, 2023

I had the pleasure of working under her leadership as a Patient Care Supervisor at WKBH in 2011 when the hospital first opened up. She was an amazing CNO. I will for ever remember her kindness, compassion, dedication and her smile. I remember her saying she was a cheerleader in her younger years in school so that explained her enthusiasm. My condolences to her beautiful family. May she Rest in Peace.

Stephen gilbert

October 3, 2023

My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Denise's family.i worked in Security for Baptist Hospital 25 yrs and i remember her as very professional and pleasant everytime had the pleasure of speaking with her and administration.God bless

Georgeanna Quamina

October 1, 2023

I first met Denise when she was a suncapper and bounded into the unit I was working on. Her wonderful energy, enthusiasm, and love for patients and nurses was evident from that first day. It never changed over the 30 plus years I knew her. She was my friend at work, a co-worker, my manager, my director, my mentor, and sometimes a counselor. She was so smart and innovative. Above all, she was a premier advocate for patients and nurses. I will never forget what she did for me and am saddened that she is gone.

Karen Sklanka

September 28, 2023

My heart goes out Denise and her family. She was a wonderful person and inspiration to the nursing profession. Working with Dennis in ICU was always a pleasure. Prayers and condolences to the family.

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