She was the daughter of Suha and Judith Havens Altug. She is survived by her mother, her children Bennett and Juliana Johnson, her life partner Manolo Garcia and many loving relatives.
Deniz loved being on the water, cooking, music, fishing, running, visiting the zoo, and traveling, but most of all she loved her family. She was excited to be making graduation plans for her children and plans to visit family in Turkey next summer. She spent her final weekend sailing with Manolo.
Deniz retired after serving many years as an emergency room physician in Brevard County. She was a graduate of the University of Michigan, the Michigan State University College of Medicine, and completed her residency at the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania.
Her passion for helping others was a major factor in choosing a medical career.
The family has chosen to remember her in a way that honors her spirit. There will be a private funeral on Friday, September 20, 2024 followed by a “Celebration of Life Ceremony” at a later date.