Mary "Denise" Cervantes' Obituary
Mary Denise Cervantes, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, sister, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer - held, as always, by the love of her family.
Denise grew up in El Rio, California, where she attended and graduated from Rio Mesa High School in 1974. She later continued her studies at Sawyer College, pursuing business with the same steady determination that would guide her throughout her life.
In 1978, she married the love of her life, Ben. Together they built not just a home, but a life rich with laughter, music drifting through the rooms, and memories stitched together by devotion and adventure. Their love story was one of partnership in its truest form - steady, joyful, and enduring.
Denise dedicated more than 25 years to Vacumetrics, Inc., where she served as a Sales Executive until her retirement in 2021. She was respected and admired for her warmth, forming friendships that lasted far beyond the office walls. She believed deeply in living life fully and loudly. Music was the soundtrack of her days, and she attended more than 100 concerts, always ready to sing along.
A lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, she rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. Some of her happiest adventures were riding alongside Ben on their Harley-Davidson, traveling with their dear biker friends to Laughlin, Mexico, Sturgis, and beyond - gathering stories that will be told for generations.
Above all else, Denise's greatest joy was her family. Nothing delighted her more than opening her doors for holiday gatherings, especially the much-anticipated annual Tamale Day, that drew everyone home. She wore the name "Grandma" like a crown - planning sleepovers, lunch dates, and movie outings that her grandchildren will forever carry in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd McCoy and Margaret Tyler; her sisters, Kathy Willis and Julie Bird; and her beloved son, Benjamin Cervantes. Denise is survived by her loving husband, Ben Cervantes; her daughters, Stephanie Kaness and Shannon Tofiga (Faleapoi); her grandsons, William and Tyler Hulsberg, and Benjamin M. Cervantes; her granddaughters, Jillian Hulsberg and Leilani Tofiga; her nephew, Eric Bird; her nieces, Alison Black (Allen), Heather Bird (Trisha), and Darien Horton (Brian); son-in-law, Jeff Hulsberg; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews - each one a living piece of the love she so freely gave.
Services for Denise will be held on Saturday, March 21st at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura. Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception to follow at 1:00p.m. at The Saticoy Club, 4450 Clubhouse Drive, Somis,CA.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary "Denise"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary "Denise"?
Share a story where Mary "Denise"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary "Denise" you’ll never forget.
How did Mary "Denise" make you smile?