Denise Diane May

Denise MAY

January 8, 1941 - February 7, 2025

Denise Diane May, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025. She was born January 8, 1941, in Littlefork, Minnesota, and moved to Seattle after the war with her parents, Loyd and Ruth Anderson. The only daughter among four children, she grew up with her 3 brothers Curt, John and Glen.

Faith was the foundation of Denise's life from a young age. At just 7 years old, she experienced a profound moment of conversion, feeling called to follow Jesus Christ. That decision shaped the rest of her life, instilling her with kindness, generosity, and an unwavering trust in God. She found strength in prayer, sharing her faith with others, and serving with a heart of love. Denise attended Duwamish Grade School and Foster High School before beginning her career. She worked briefly at the phone company, Boeing, and the Postal Service before finding her true calling in serving veterans. She was a Veterans Benefits Counselor at both the Seattle Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital and the Seattle VA Regional Office. With a deep sense of commitment, she helped what she lovingly called "Our Veterans" gather records to receive the benefits they had earned. Her unwavering advocacy earned her recognition as an outstanding employee and Veterans' advocate, receiving numerous awards for her dedication. She also served as a Prisoner of War Coordinator, demonstrating compassion and diligence in all she did.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Allen May, in 2004, Denise poured her heart into celebrating her Norwegian heritage. A talented and passionate Rosemaling artist, she earned awards and ribbons for her intricate and beautiful work, including the Puyallup Fair. She was an active member of the Western Rosemalers Association and the Daughters of Norway, Solveig Lodge #31 where she built strong friendships and took pride in preserving her cultural heritage. Denise was a longtime member of West Side Presbyterian Church. There she found strength and loved the faith community. She was actively involved in Bible study groups, always eager to grow in her faith and encourage others in theirs. With a playful and vibrant spirit, she expressed herself in many ways, including a signature pop of purple in her hair! Denise is survived by her three brothers, Curt (Joyce) Anderson, John (Signa) Anderson, and Glen (Linda) Anderson. She took great pride in her children and is survived by Gwen (Neal) Meyer, Karen (Rocky) Wright, and Scott (Madeline) May. She found immense joy in her grandchildren and is survived by Brooke, Kelsey, Andrew and Caroline as well as her 5 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff of Florence of Seattle and Brookdale Admiral Heights for their loving care in her final years. Denise's legacy of faith, service, and artistry will live on in the lives she touched and the beauty she created.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

A Memorial service for Denise will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, located at 3601 California Ave S.W., Seattle, WA.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle