Denise E. Holcombe

March 8, 1945 - September 19, 2012

Born in San Diego CA Denise lived in San Diego her whole life except for a short time in San Francisco and Los Angeles due to work requirements.

Denise grew up in San Diego attending Edison Elementary, La Mesa Junior High, Helix High School class of 1963 and attended San Diego State College.

She was hired by PSA (Pacific Southwest Airlines) May 1965 as a Flight Attendant, was promoted to supervisor, and base manager; merged with US Airways 1990 and Retired 2003.

She loved gardening and was a Master Gardener and Master Composter. Denise worked with Pat Welsh for several years in various capacities; Gal Friday, worked in her garden, assisted Pat with garden talks throughout southern California, proof read and edited her books, and traveled with Pat on Elderhostel Learning Adventures.

Denise loved her home in Point Loma shared with Ken, her golden retriever “Nikki”, cat “Maggie”, & six chickens. She spent hours tending her yard & gardens, always mindful of being organic. In 2011, her yard was selected to be showcased by the SD Master Gardeners 1st Garden tour featuring her certified sustainable garden; drought tolerant with indigenous plants, gray water recycling, rain water capture, PV electricity, use of sustainable building products, recycling, reusing, & reducing.

Denise enjoyed her family and friends. She liked to travel, but especially to Australia and spend time with her brother David, wife Carol, and their children Ella, Eugene and Patrick.

Denise volunteered for Rady’s Children’s Hospital Auxiliary La Playa unit. She was one of the founding members of the “Celebration of Champions” fund raiser event, now in its 17th year .

She is survived by her husband Kenneth Bertino, sisters, Linda Miller, Linda's husband Jack, and Melanie Bruce. 2 nieces, 3 nephews, 5 grand nieces & nephews. Proceeded in death by her parents Edgar & Margaret, brothers, Blake, Craig, Patrick, David, and nephew Eli.

Diagnosed with Uterine Cancer in February of 2011, she met the disease head on with the never ending love and support of her family, friends, minions, and the most outstanding, caring, and talented medical team. Eighteen months later, her body could not take any more.

Denise died at San Diego Hospice ICC with her family at her side. The Hospice provided the most professional & caring atmosphere for Denise and the family.

A private service for family is planned and a memorial/celebration of life service will be held at the San Diego Yacht Club, Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the San Diego Rady Children’s Hospital Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders or the San Diego Hospice.