NEAL: Denise Frances (née Kerry)

Denise, aged 64, of Blenheim, Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on 22 July 1961, Denise was the eldest daughter of the late Kenneth and Jean Kerry.

Denise’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a deeply loved mother to Angela and Craig, a cherished mother-in-law to their partners, Tea and Mollie, and a devoted and proud grandmother to Matthew, Angus, Daniel, and Maeve. Her love extended warmly to her wider whānau and friends, including her many cousins, sisters and former partner Geoffrey, with whom she shared a lifetime of cherished memories and laughter.

A passionate traveller, Denise embraced every opportunity to explore new places, always returning home with stories to tell and experiences to share. She brought that same enthusiasm, determination, and sense of adventure to dragon boating, where she was a valued and much-loved member of the New Zealand dragon boating community. Denise will be especially missed by her Simply The Breast teammates.

Denise’s kindness, strength, and love for life touched many,
and her presence will be deeply missed.

Messages to the family of Denise Neal c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

 A Memorial service for Denise will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Saturday 7 February at 11am

Locally Family Owned

CLOUDY BAY FUNERAL SERVICES  BLENHEIM  F.D.A.N.Z.  Tel 03 5782004  www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz