Obituary of Denise Susan Best

Denise Best of Tumwater, Washington peacefully passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 in her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. Denise is survived by her lifetime partner and husband, Chris Richardson; daughter, Margaretha; and step-daughter, Magdalena. She is also survived by her mother, Joan Best of Bellerose Village, New York; sister, Lois Meyners; niece, Elsa; and nephews, Gustav and Mason. Denise was born on Long Island, New York on June 12, 1969. She was raised in Bellerose Village, Long Island, New York by her father, the late Louis Best, Jr. and mother, Joan. Denise graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School and received her undergraduate degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, Long Island, New York, where she also obtained two master degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education. Teaching was her life’s passion. Denise’s career in elementary education spanned over 20 years and two coasts. Her first teaching assignment was at the Redeemer Lutheran Church School in Bayside, Queens, New York. For many years, she taught at the Irvington Public School No. 86 in Brooklyn, New York. In Washington State, Denise taught at the Rochester Elementary School and in the Federal Way School District before teaching at her most recent position as 5th grade teacher at the Griffin School on Steamboat Island. Church life was central to Denise’s life. She was baptized, confirmed and married in Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bellerose, Queens, New York. Over the years, Denise served in many church roles, including Synod Youth Leader, Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Leader and Sunday School Superintendent. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, Washington, where she was a singer in the contemporary service NewSong Band. Denise continued to be the consummate teacher, even in the face of the cancer that took her life, by exemplifying the enduring values of “family, friends, flowers and color.” Her intense love of flowers and the richness of their brilliant colors, especially orange, exemplified her celebration of life’s riches. She shared her love with others through her hobby of baking, particularly Russian tea balls, sugar cookies, and specialty fondant cakes. In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to the “Denise Best Memorial Scholarship Fund,” which will provide an annual scholarship to a deserving high school graduate seeking a degree in education. Bring your donation to the memorial service or mail to 1275 Summit Ct. SW, Olympia, WA 98512. Please leave memories of Denise or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.