Denise Marie Blair

Denise Marie Blair (Maher) passed away peacefully into the arms of our heavenly father at her home with her family by her side on April 27, 2018. Amidst a blizzard on December 5, 1972 that spontaneous, energetic light, was born to Russ and Alice Maher in Watertown, South Dakota. That very night, a star was born! Denise completed her early elementary years in McIntosh, SD and graduated from Spearfish High School in 1991. In high school, her stardom arose; she participated in the Miss Preteen South Dakota competition, awarded Homecoming Queen, led her Varsity Cheer squad in athletic events, actively participated in numerous fine arts events, and accumulated numerous academic awards and certificates. After completing high school, she went on to University of South Dakota (USD) in Vermillion, SD. She received her double major in Biology/Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. While obtaining her double major in Vermillion, she was active in her beloved Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority as she researched medical studies with fellow colleagues. Upon her collegiate graduation, she began her care for others immediately in Seattle, Washington where she cared for individuals with needs, prior to moving to Colorado in 2000. Working as a CNA at a Colorado Rehabilitation center she enhanced her medical skills while serving others. In her work, she entered into Regis University and obtained her nursing degree. Again, her leadership and care was awarded with, The Nightingale Award while working at Craig Hospital. After leaving Craig Hospital she was offered a wonderful lifetime experience as an Emergency Room nurse at Lutheran Medical Hospital where she led as the Head Charge Nurse in the ER. Her most recent accomplishment, within this last month, while enduring her battle, she concluded her Master’s in Nursing, receiving her medical hood. Beyond her service and care for others, she married “her love”, Eric Blair, on August 29, 2003. They began their marriage and growth of their family in Colorado. Denise became a mother to two wonderful and amazing children, her son, Benjamin Halen on March 21, 2009 and her daughter, Gwenyth Isabella on June 25, 2011, who were a very important part in her life. Being born a star, she always remained steadfast to her faith in Christ. She firmly believes in Christ and her Catholic faith. She professed and confirmed her trust in Christ in every step of her walk on this Earth and in heaven. Denise was actively involved in triathlons, races, and the love of outdoors. She enjoyed backpacking, skiing, camping, river rafting, scuba diving and hiking. She also enjoyed traveling abroad to such places as Jamaica, Hawaii, Scotland, and Mexico. She also enjoyed finding the beauty in others by promoting health and beauty products. She is tremendously loved and adored by too many to list. She is proceeded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; father-in-law; two aunts; one uncle; and four cousins. Surviving members of Denise’s family are husband, Eric Blair, her two children Ben and Gwen; her parents Russ and Alice Maher of Loveland, CO; her sister and brother-in-law Renee and Jeremy Harwood of Rapid City SD; sister Tonia Maher of Rapid City, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews who she adored and held very dear. Denise’s fight and love for life is adored and inspiring to all! Thank you, for celebrating her life, passion, and light! Contributions can be made to memorial funds in Denise’s name on: Gofundme.com and Youcaring.com Visitation: 7:00PM - May 10, 2018 Service: 11:00 AM - May 11, 2018 Both at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church 7400 W 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80003