Obituary
Denise Ann (Sullivan) Walls, 72, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2020. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John; her five children, Carol Ann (Greg), John (Valerie), James (Linda), Lynn (William) and Laura (Frank); and her thirteen grandchildren, Abbey, Allison, John, Aidan, Connor, Erin, Claudia, Garrett, Jack, Charlotte, Molly, Lucy and Hannah.
Denise was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, the daughter of Denis and Julia (Duggan) Sullivan, both of whom immigrated from Ireland. She attended Visitation High School and went on to marry her childhood sweetheart, John, who she met when she was 13. Denise had a few different careers in her life but if anyone ever asked her, she would tell them her job was to be a Mom. She raised five perfect kids so was clearly a leader in her field. She moved from Chicago in later years and split her time between Dowagiac, MI and Ft. Myers, FL.
Never one to miss an opportunity to laugh, Denise was known for a wry sense of humor and a contagious laugh that once started, was nearly impossible to stop. While it was a running joke she could talk to a wrong number for an hour, her ability to find a connection with people was remarkable and combined with her generosity and warmth, made her irresistible to talk to. She was also a hugger, so sometimes you actually had no choice.
Denise adored every one of her grandchildren and was overjoyed at the arrival of each one. She never met a set of baby toes she didn’t kiss or a stuffed animal she couldn’t mend. Everything she did was so infused with her love it was special. From crocheted blankets to mini-cheesecakes to the dinner you got to pick on your birthday, she showered affection freely and anyone who knew her benefitted from it.
She leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories for so many and is undoubtedly stirring things up in Heaven in the best possible way. Provided she stopped talking to Saint Peter long enough to go through the gates.
Mom, your hair looks nice.
There are no services planned at this time due to current COVID-19 restrictions. A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I hope your dear memories of your mother can carry you through and sustain you. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your mom lived a meaningful life and touched so many deeply.
Take care,
Marybeth
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. From her obituary, I can see that she was quite extraordinary. She sounds like someone I would have loved to know. I hope you are recalling all the fond memories and times you had with her in order to bring you comfort. I'm thinking of you.
Fondly,
Judy (Hogan) Lichtenberger