Also, many of my family members and friends have asked me to forward Denise's obituary. Below it is posted in it's entirety.
Begin forwarded message:
Denise DiNardo Cowan, 47, transcended this realm and soared on Thursday June 11, 2009, comforted by the love of her husband and children.
A native of Virginia Beach, Denise graduated from Princess Anne High School and James Madison University. She was the product of a large family and love of family defined her life. Her quick wit and light-hearted humor was contagious, a magnet to all who knew her. She was a born teacher. Before children, her career in information technology involved working with government agencies nationwide. She enjoyed sharing her lifelong enthusiasm for physical fitness. Until recently she taught fitness classes including to her children’s teachers at Alanton Elementary
Denise was the daughter of James J. DiNardo, Jr. and the late Mary Dunkle DiNardo. She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Jason Bray Cowan and their daughters, Raleigh Grace, Jody Jeanette, Ellen (Elle) Bray, and Jana Mary Cowan. Her sister Mary Midyette and her husband Jeb, brothers Jimmy DiNardo and wife Kathy, Tommy DiNardo and wife Wanda, Paul DiNardo and wife Lora, Peter DiNardo and wife Helen, sixteen nieces and nephews and her stepmother Elaine DiNardo are left to cherish her memory.
Denise had the luxury of time to make known her wishes for her memorial. Her family is planning a celebration of Denise’s life. They will announce the time and date on her blog and Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the education fund for Denise and Jason’s daughters established at Virginia Education Savings Trust. Checks made to the trust may be mailed to 1340 N. Great Neck Rd. Suite 1272 Box 352, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
Thank you for the beautiful words of compassion and encouragement that so many of you have expressed.
Jason and Family
