Liska Denise Dobberstein

Liska Denise Dobberstein, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully

on September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on April 29, 1960, in West Palm

Beach, Florida, Denise was the oldest child of the late Robert and Liska Hooker. She is survived

by her two younger sisters, Monica Hooker Madigan and Cheryl Hooker Woodall, both of

Orlando, Florida.

Denise's early years were spent with her sisters in Belle Glade, Florida, where she was raised in

a home built on Christian values, love, and respect for all. Her father, a land developer and

sugar cane farmer, was a well-respected figure in the community. The family lived close to their

grandparents, where they spent much of their childhood with cousins and were active members

of Belle Glade Methodist Church. Denise attended Glades Day School, where she graduated as

Valedictorian, and went on to earn a Summa Cum Laude degree in Economics and Business

Administration from Furman University. It was at Furman that she met her future husband,

Scott, on the intramural football field, and they were married in 1985. Their 40-year marriage

was a model of love, devotion, and partnership, filled with shared memories from dance floors,

family gatherings, beach vacations, and countless holidays.

Denise began her career at IBM as a systems engineer before choosing to retire to raise her

children, Richard and Liska. Though she took time off from her professional career, she

remained active in her community. She volunteered at school, served as PTA president,

supported the booster club, delivered Meals on Wheels, and participated in book clubs and

Bible studies. Health and fitness were important to Denise, and she enjoyed many days playing

tennis at Providence and Firethorn Country Clubs, hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, and

participating in daily workouts with her fitness friends at Providence Country Club.

A long-time member of Weddington Methodist Church, Denise was a woman of deep faith. Her

love for the Lord was evident in her actions and the way she raised her family. Her devotion to

her loved ones was boundless, always showing up for her children and grandchildren at school

events and celebrations. Her daily phone calls to her children, Richard and Liska, offering

prayers and words of encouragement, were the cornerstone of her family relationships. Denise

was passionate about travel, and though she enjoyed exploring the country, her favorite

destinations were the serene mountains of North Carolina and the warm beaches of Singer

Island, Florida. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her beloved 2-year-old grandson,

Baker. These cherished moments created memories that her family will hold dear forever.

Denise's unwavering drive to live life fully and her love for family inspired those around her to

always strive to be their best selves. Her presence brought joy and peace to everyone she met,

and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She

will be deeply missed but forever celebrated for her kindness, her strength, and the light she

brought into the world.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Murray Hooker (age 84) and Liska May

Hooker (age 88). She is survived by her loving husband, Scott Richard Dobberstein; son,

Richard Murray Dobberstein (Jenna); daughter, Liska Marie Mattox (Wesley); sisters, Monica

Hooker Madigan (Rob) and Cheryl Hooker Woodall (Rusty); and her precious grandchildren,

Baker Wesley Mattox and Campbell Scott Mattox.

Denise's life will be celebrated at Weddington Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC, on Friday,

October 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM, with a reception to follow at Providence Country Club at 5:00 PM.

Flowers are welcome, and those who wish may also make a donation in Denise's memory to

Weddington Methodist Church.