Denise Pamela (Minta) Fenske

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Denise Pamela Fenske (nee Minta), on Thursday March 2, at the age of 73.

Denise was born on Oct 20, 1949, in Nottingham England, to George and Doris Minta (nee Odams). She has a twin sister Diane (Ernie) Stefanik; brothers Haydn (Debbie) Minta and Trevor Minta (Jacquie). The entire family immigrated to Canada Apr 8, 1965. Arriving in Edmonton on a blustery day, and it was quite a shock.

In 1968 the family moved to Fox Creek (another shock) where Denise met the love of her life John Fenske. They were married Apr 10,1970 in Valleyview.  In the fall they welcomed their son, Jim and a few years later their daughter Janinne.

Denise spent many years in the Grovedale and Grande Prairie areas before retiring to Edson. While in Grande Prairie you could find her most days at Dunvegan Gardens up to her elbows in soil, surrounded by flowers, creating her custom works of art with all the plants.  Denise loved to garden, and never broke her promise to her mom-in-law to keep the heritage red potatoes going.

Later in life she became a proud grandma to three grandkids. Jim and Allison had a son Ayden, then four years later a daughter, Kinley.  Janinne and Layton had a daughter Kadri.  Denise always said, if she knew grandkids would be this fun, she would have had them first.

Denise loved those grandkids fiercely and was the happiest when they were all together with her.  She would never admit she spoiled them; they were just well loved. In Feb 2015, her and John took the whole family to Disneyland ad she never stopped smiling the whole week.

Denise hated the cold and loved when they became snowbirds, going to Mesa Arizona for ten winters. Denise made many good friends down there. Denise also loved the ocean and salt air, and couldn`t wait to vacation on Vancouver Island to visit family.

Denise possessed many traits: strong willed, stubborn as a goat at times, could be quite the sales lady, witty, stoic, and caring. She loved to cook, especially for her family and friends, loved to host gatherings and mentioned that is what she missed most.

Mom you are already missed beyond measure and loved beyond words.

A celebration of life will take place in Edson later in the summer.

John and the family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Dr. R Sood, for all his care and compassion towards Denise.

If one chooses, memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army, as this was mom’s favourite charity.

https://donate.salvationarmy.ca/

Dennis

Companion and friend for almost 53 years.

Raised and proud of our two children, Jim and Janinne.

Defence attorney for three grandchildren, Ayden, Kadri and Kinley, who she loved unconditionally.

Loved flowers and baby red potatoes fresh from the garden, and the smell of fresh cut grass.

Supported me in my good and bad times.

Took pride and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.

Went halloweening in Fox Creek, got drunk, and lost her car.

Very independent, proud, stubborn, and did things her way.

Thanks for everything you did for our family; you fought a good fight and in the end covid won.

Denise, I hope you are someplace where you can breathe again and smell the ocean air.

Love, John