Maryanne Denver

Maryanne Denver died in Florida on September 5, 2022, a little more than 7 years after being diagnosed with a neuroendocrine cancer that ultimately took her life.

Maryanne was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Marge and John Denver. A few months later, the family moved to Merrick, New York. At about 6 months old, Maryanne met a neighbor around the same age who became the first of her many lifelong friends. Much of her Long Island childhood was spent visiting with her uncles, aunts, and many cousins on her dad's side. One of her favorite places was Jones Beach, where her family spent long summer days at Field 9. Maryanne worked at Jones Beach after graduating from Calhoun High and on summer breaks while a student at Merrimack College.

After a post-college backpacking trip to Europe, Maryanne began working at Bloomingdale's. Family lore was that her father kickstarted her 40-year career when he drove her to apply for a job at the Garden City Bloomingdale's. Up to that point, she had shown little interest in fashion beyond overalls. But she was good with people and quickly learned the ropes. She soon transferred to White Plains and then to the 59th Street Store. By the early 80s, she was traveling to Paris fashion shows as a buyer.

Maryanne moved to Florida in the mid 80s to work as a merchandise manager at the new Boca Raton store. In the early 90s, she oversaw the opening of the Palm Beach Gardens Bloomingdale's and became store manager. She spent the last 18 years of her career at the Aventura Bloomingdale's, from the time the store opened to her retirement from her role as vice president and general manager.

Her Bloomingdale's co-workers had a special place in Maryanne's heart. Many became lifelong friends. She loved mentoring people, encouraging them to reach their full potential, and celebrating their accomplishments. She earned many accolades along the way, but few made her prouder than the multiple Store of the Year awards won by her teams at Palm Beach Gardens and Aventura.

Generous to her core, Maryanne believed in giving back to the community, friends, and family. She volunteered as a Eucharistic minister at nursing homes and made regular donations to local and national charities. Every year at Christmas, she sent giant boxes of beautifully wrapped presents to her brother's family in California. Some years the packages were nearly too big to fit through the front door.

She loved Christmas trees and holiday lights and kept her house decorated all year round. Her Kindle was always filled with new books. Her taste in TV shows ran the gamut, from game shows to PBS. Her favorite nightcap was a glass of Sambuca with 3 coffee beans.

Maryanne is survived by her brother John Denver Jr. and his wife Kathy Denver; her niece Cristine Denver; her nephew Michael Denver, his wife Patty, and his sons Mikey and Maddy; 14 of her 23 cousins; dozens of devoted friends; and her extraordinary Bloomingdale's family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Tri-County Animal Rescue (21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, Florida, 33434). Please note that the donations are made in memory of Maryanne Denver and her beloved cats, Sheeba, Lucy, and Ethel, who were all adopted there.