Born Denise Helaine Wheeler to the late Mr. John Wheeler and Ms. Helen Seney on December 4, 1957 in New York City, she was the youngest of her siblings: Eugene, Samuel, Edward, and Phyllis. Through the guidance of her mother and adult-siblings, Denise was nurtured into an independent, ingenious, and benevolent person. After attending, P.S. 46, and Junior High School 117, she went on to graduate from Julia Richman High School. Soon after, she enrolled at Bronx Community College, eventually earning her Associate's Degree. In her late teens, she began dating Larry Reagans, whom she married in 1978. Together they committed to raising their three children: Le Rae (Sha) Reagans, Le Sohn (Sohnny) Reagans, and Lai Ara D. Reagans. Through Denise and Larry's collective vision, all three of their children successfully completed college; but most importantly, all three have evolved into self-sufficient, well-purposed, and passionate people. Denise worked consistently since high school, but the job she loved most was her position as the Community Service Coordinator at Central Park East Secondary School. There she served as a program coordinator, mentor, and adviser. Denise's impact was clear, illustrated by the many former students of hers who have chosen to remain in contact with her. Denise was remembered and appreciated for her witty perspective, positive energy, and infectious laugh. After dedicating more than ten years at Central Park East, Denise began doing similar work at Vanguard High School, which was coincidentally housed in the same building where she graduated high school. It is said that, "...service is the rent you pay for living." Denise's life was grounded in service. In the later part of Denise's life, she had to navigate her own personal challenges. Although the road was not an easy one to travel, she was living proof that success is indeed a journey. Through her persistence, she overcame many struggles, and time she spent with them left a lasting impression. In the words of Dr. Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you've said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." No one will forget how Denise made them feel. She was always loving and laughing; and genuinely cared cared about people. Denise was well skilled in the kitchen, and took great pride in being able to bring people together to share the hundreds of meals she prepared over the years. Her ability to engage with anyone was a gift that she gave with great joy and generosity. Denise spent her last physical years a proud grandmother of Nayah, Nazir, and Maximus. She was adamant about not missing any future family gatherings and keeping an eye on her grandkids. In fact, in true Denise fashion, she candidly demanded to be cremated so she could sit on a mantle and "have her grandkids say hi to her everyday." On September 12, 2014, at 4:06 pm, Denise transitioned to rejoin her parents, siblings (Eugene, Edward, Phyllis) and a number of other important people she impacted in her 56 years on Earth living life as we know it. Denise Helaine Wheeler-Reagans will indeed be missed by her family and friends, and wants everyone to continue living, loving, and laughing in her memory!