MADRID, Denise Jay

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Published Thursday, February 17, 2011 - > Denise Jay Madrid < > March 6, 1960 — Feb. 11, 2011 < The morning sunrise on February 11th, 2011, shined ever so brighter as the spirit of Denise Jay Madrid, 50, Lake Havasu City, passed from this life and rose to greet the morning sun with her brilliantly gleaming smile. Thus, abruptly ended by breast cancer, was the fairy tale life of this incredibly charming woman, oh so easy to fall in love with. She was born Denise Jay Francis in Lynwood, Calif., and grew up in Corona, Calif., where she rose to become the women’s 6th ranked tennis player in the State! Corona is where her fairy tale romance of love began with the chance encounter to David Madrid. We held hands on our first date her junior year of high school, and from that moment were inseparable for 34 wonderful years. She waited in Corona four years while I attended West Point in New York, upon which we married, June 13th, 1981, and began our many long adventures living in Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, Germany, Michigan, and finally settling down for the last 14 years in Lake Havasu City, in her fairy tale home she loved and adored. Along the way, she gave me two handsome sons, was a Cub Scout Den Mom, active PTA participant, tennis instructor, and all the while earning her Dental Hygienist degree of which she was so very proud. Patients, who had the privilege of her care, were treated to a quick disarming smile, soft voice, the gentlest touch, and her signature phrase, “HOORAY”! Patients frequently call her office for an appointment, asking for, “the hygienist who says HOORAY!” Wherever she went every life she touched felt more beautiful and special simply by flashing her gorgeous infectious smile. Children immediately loved her for her heart and voice were filled with childlike innocence and joy. Over the years, to most of our son’s friends she became known as their “other” Mom because her heart and kitchen were always open. She loved to laugh loud and strong which of course will be greatly missed. As a creative force of nature she excelled at ceramics, macramé, photography, belly dancing, scrap booking, beading, jewelry, and her crowning achievement, stained glass windows, tables and benches. We loved to travel to faraway places such as Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Alaska, and the Fiji islands. And through it all, we never stopped holding hands; gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes; madly in love; and always held hands until she took her last breath. She was my honey bunny: and I was her honey man. Thank you my dear for the fairy tale love story. I’m such a better man having experienced your unconditional love for so long. You had such a positive impact on so many lives, none more so than I and our two wonderful sons. Your memory will be carried on and your life story passed forward by your husband David (Honey man), Lake Havasu City, parents, James and Christine Francis of Boise, Idaho; her brother and sister-in-law Rick and Amy Francis of Cibola, Ariz., our sons Daniel, 26, a U.S. Army soldier proudly serving his country in the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C.; David L., 23, who graduates May 14th, 2011, from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force; and many other family members, coworkers, and friends. A Denise’s Day Celebration of Life of this magnificent woman will be at 3:00pm, Saturday, Mar. 5th, 2011, at The Nautical Beach Front Resort Convention Center, 1000 McCulloch Blvd. North, Lake Havasu City. Immediately following the Celebration will be the second Denise’s Day Benefit Concert to be held at London Bridge State Beach. Denise loved sparkling wine, margaritas, and parties. Just as she wished, parties had been held in her honor just before her passing. Please join us on March 5th, the day before her 51st birthday. Let’s all raise our voices and glasses in her honor and shout as one, “HOORAY DENISE