Denise Lucille Mefford

Denise Mefford, age 61, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her devoted husband, in the early morning of August 9, 2020 due to extremely aggressive and painful kidney and bone cancer that metastasized very rapidly. She was born near the black sandy beaches of the Azores Islands to Wally (Marlow) and Lucille Wellbrock on November 11, 1958. Denise grew up in the Richmond/El Sobrante area and graduated from De Anza High School in 1976. On February 10, 1978, Denise married her soulmate and best friend, Chuck Mefford. Denise and Chuck have one daughter, Crystina, who was born on February 11, just one day after their 6^th wedding anniversary.

Denise was extremely outgoing and instantly loved everyone she met. She was deeply loved by so many, and deeply loved so many. She made a lot of friends over the years no matter where she was or what she was doing. She would meet new friends just standing in line at the grocery store, or while pumping gas at the gas station, even at DMV. She truly made friends everywhere she went. She loved to talk with and listen to others, regardless of if she knew them or not. Denise loved her family very much, both immediate and extended. She was always there whenever someone needed help. She was a wonderful shoulder to cry on. She had a very contagious laugh and loved to use it as often as possible. Her personality was so beautiful and unique, truly one of a kind. She had a knack for turning an uncomfortable situation into laughter, there was always a silver lining in her eyes to every type of predicament.

She was very bright and intelligent. She loved to learn new things and investigate; she loved to debate. These wonderful traits helped her to become an outstanding and well-respected investigative paralegal for many years.

Denise was highly creative and loved crafts. She loved to quilt, making the most beautiful and personalized blankets. She loved to sew as well. She made her daughter’s high school prom dress from scratch. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking, making the most delicious macaroni and cheese. She loved to read and frequently visit Barnes and Noble with her daughter, Crystina. Denise was a devout Lutheran and enjoyed going to church services and helping people in her community.

Denise is survived by her husband of 42 years, Chuck, their daughter, Crystina and son-in-law, Kacey. She is also survived by countless extended family members all over the country. She is survived, too, by her 2-year-old chihuahua, Bear, her “grand-dog” Daisy, and her “grand-kitty” Tigger. When Denise entered Heaven’s gates, she was reunited with her mother Lucille, her father Wally, her younger brother John, numerous other loved ones, and many “fur babies” lost over the years.

Denise is sorely missed by her husband, daughter, son-in-law, Bear (her dog) and her “grand-babies” (Daisy and Tigger), all her exceptionally large extended family, and many friends. Due to the pandemic we are facing this year, a funeral was unfortunately not feasible. However, her husband, daughter and son-in-law had their own private memorial to celebrate Denise’s life.