Denise Lemire Obituary
Denise was born on June 5, 1967 in Detroit, MI. She is the daughter of Thomas Cowan and Bernice Cousineau Cowan.
Denise's education began at Our Lady of the Lake continuing to Houghton Lake Community School and Houghton Lake Cosmetology Institute. Denise was involved with choir, cheerleading and competed in the Miss Houghton Lake Pageant. She is a class graduate of 1985.
Denise began working with her sister at Nu You Hair Studio. She further worked many other jobs in many different fields. Denise started her college education at Lansing Community College and obtained a degree in registered nursing. She began her professional career as a nurse. She worked in private practice, Ingham Hospital ER and Michigan State University pediatrics.
She enjoyed photography, gardening, boating, beaches and oceans. Denise was in awe of our sunsets overlooking the Atlantic Intracoastal waters, ponds, salt marsh and many different species of waterfowl birds.
Denise was preceded in death by her young daughter, Shelby Ellen Durbin (12-22-2021). She started the Denise & Shelby Have Faith Facebook page. She enjoyed writing about herself and Shelby's journey. She became an advocate for cancer survivors and others, in treatment. Through the writings of inspiration, strength, faith and hope she touched many.
Denise's greatest joy was spending time and keeping in touch with family and friends.
Surviving in addition to her husband, Steven; are children, Macey Kristine Durbin (James); Alexander Jeffrey Durbin (Allison); Steven John LeMire (Samantha); Elizabeth Jacqueline Good (Shawn); siblings, Diane Applin (Steven); Patricia Allerton (Frank); Debra Gautier (Timothy); Laura Cowan (Sanjay); grandchildren; Jimmy, Braxton, Karlee and Kasee; many nieces and nephews; and parent in laws, Philip and Nancy LeMire.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 2:00pm in St. Peter's Catholic Church on Lady's Island.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:00am in St. Mary's Cathedral in Lansing, MI.
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3 Entries
Merri Petzold
September 21, 2024
Denise, you were an inspiration to so many. I know you knew this! But we will surely miss the positive attitude and fight you had so deep within you. The last time I saw you, we sat together and I let you cry on my shoulder. God put me in the right place, for the right reason that day. Before we parted that day, I gave you the biggest hug and kiss in the cheek like I have never hugged anyone before. You will surely be missed and my heart and prayers go out to those you loved the most. Steve, you made her so happy and supported Denise to the end. You both showed us all what love should be, and was, about.
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Diane Dove
September 19, 2024
I´ve known Steve since High School and became connected with Denise through her Denise & Shelby Have Faith Facebook Page. Denise fought a number of challenges throughout her and Shelby´s fight with Cancer over the last 12 years. More than anyone should endure for themselves or their child, but Denise never gave up hope or the fight. The strength she had was strong and when she needed Steve he was always there to hold her up. Even with everything she was going through, she made the time to congratulate me on our boys graduating from college and to just remember to always be present in everything they do. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel.
Joanne Anderson
September 19, 2024
I met Denise at Lansing Community College when we were in nursing school. Denise was fun to be around. She was so positive and she had a beautiful smile. Denise faced cancer with such dignity and strength. My heart aches for her family who she loved so much.
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