Danise Christeen Newberry DeSantis Gilkinson

Danise Christeen Newberry DeSantis Gilkinson, age 74, of Girard, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, surrounded by her children and loved ones. She was born in Sewickley, PA, on April 24, 1949, daughter of the late Joseph and Vivian Newberry.

Danise graduated from East High School in Erie and went to Ora Jean Beauty Academy for her career training. She worked for many years in the beauty and salon industry, managing and later owning her own beauty salon 'His 'N Hers by Danise' in Lawrence Park. Later in life, she found joy in being a school bus driver for the elementary children who affectionately referred to her as "Miss Danise".

She loved tending to her shabby chic garden with every flower imaginable and spent many hours on her back porch enjoying her gardens while soaking up the sunshine. She had an eye for decorating, an incredible talent for painting; her daughter affectionately nicknamed her "Ma Vinci".

Danise encountered the Lord during a women's Cursillo in 1985 and has held onto the promise of eternal life through Jesus ever since. Her family would like to thank those who have come around them in love and prayer, and are comforted knowing that she is dancing in heaven.

In addition to her parents, Danise was preceded in death by brother, Bert Newberry; and sister, Marsha Newberry Rzodkiewicz (husband, Jerome). She is survived by her son, Christopher DeSantis (wife, Darlene); daughter, Melissa DeSantis Maida; grandchildren, Janet Calipo Anderson (husband, Orion) and Natava DeSantis Fisher (husband, Jake); and in her last week on earth, she was blessed to meet and hold her newborn great-granddaughter, Layla Fisher.

Friends and family may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd., on Wednesday, March 13th, from 11 am until the time of the Funeral Service there at 1 pm. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and pay their last respects. Interment will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.