With warmest memories and deepest sympathies,

It took me a bit but here is a copy of my reading at Denise's memorial. Some will note that I changed the mini essay to make it a personal love note to my sister, the brilliant and loving human being we knew as Dr. Denise Simons-Morton. Denise - You want a physicist to speak at your funeral. You want the physicist to talk to your grieving family about the conservation of energy, so they will understand that your energy has not disappeared. 

You want your family to know that all your energy, every vibration, every Btu of heat, every wave of every particle that was you remains in our universe. 

You want the physicist to tell your weeping husband that amid the energies of the cosmos, you gave as good as you got. (I smile every time I read this passage I smile in remembrance of you.) 

And at one point you’d hope that the physicist would tell Bruce that all the photons that ever bounced off of your face, all the particles whose paths were interrupted by your smile, hundreds of trillions of particles, have raced off like children, their ways forever changed by you.

And as your husband folds into the arms of his loving family, may the physicist tell him that all the photons that bounced from you were gathered in your eyes, that those photons created within your constellations of electromagnetically charged neurons will go on forever.

And the physicist will remind those grieving the loss of you that all of your energy was given off as heat. Her last embrace.

And you’ll want the physicist to explain to those who loved you that they need not have faith. Let them know that scientists have precisely measured the conservation of energy and found it accurate, verifiable and consistent across space and time.

You want your family to examine the evidence and satisfy themselves that the science is sound and according to the law of the conservation of energy, not a bit of you is gone; you’re just less orderly. To my loving sister, Denise.

with thanks to Aaron Freeman

Most of us have long felt that our WHS class of 1969 was/remains more closely bound than most.  We each have our theories as to why this is true, but I have long held that, among many other factors, our bonds benefitted from the greater glue given us by the teachers' strike; ["We're tired, but we're not ready to quit," WHS Chemistry teacher, Mr. Quayle].  With so much extra time to do/be/enjoy together, it was inevitable that, within the whole, smaller, tighter groups would form, collections of affection far beyond the typical high school "cliques."  Each of us was probably part of a number of such groups, but my particular blessing was to be part of one comprising about a dozen kids, with Denise Simons(-Morton) usually at the center.
During the strike, about two handfuls of us kids gathered almost every evening, mostly in our parents' homes, but often squeezed into our parents' cars to explore Wheaton's exotic locales.  Denise held a primary place here, and it was she who named our adventures, "frolicking."  Her term quickly became our term, so we called each other to arrange "frolics" nearly nightly.  As I am certain is true for most of us 1969ers, we have carried these little pleasures with us, definitely as memory, but often as revived, immediate happiness.
Even as our bodies or our lives have interrupted our active engagement with one another, the Class of 1969 still seems to hang together tightly, still enjoying each other, even in absence.  Denise was/is an always-present presence, and she remains held close in heart.  
So Denise, for our group, remaining life will be less of a Frolic knowing that you are not around to share it, at least in concept, as each of us will continue to do.  
We love you still, Denise Simons-Morton!!!
With love,  Bill Roney

DENISE’S FAREWELL

How can I say goodbye to you, Denise, my wonderful wife of 43 years, my best friend, colleague, companion, and lover.

We meet in grad school at Hopkins School of Public Health where I was a postdoc and she was in a Family and Preventive Medicine Residency.
-	It was love at first happy hour, where we met and then went to dinner with a small group, sat next to each other, and started our forever romance. 
-	Our first date a few days later was to the zoo.
-	After that we were inseparable.
-	Marriage, children, careers as academics, public health professionals, and research scientists, and all the rest followed.
-	My how the decades have sped by.

I don’t need to tell those of you who know Denise well that she was… 
-	Beautiful
-	Intelligent
-	Curious
-	Talented
-	Accomplished

Of the many stories about Denise I would love to share let me tell just this one that I think is reflective of the woman I love and admire.
-	With our children mostly grown and independent she started taking step aerobics classes at a local club. 
-	Step was very popular in those days. It involves stepping on and across a low bench in a wide variety of ways and complexities following music.
-	After class one day her instructor said “you are very good, you should become an instructor”. So, Denise obtained her certification as a fitness and step aerobics instructor and began teaching classes evenings and weekends at the Y, Sport and Health, and other clubs in MoCo and DC. She was a good fitness instructor, as she was teaching epidemiology and cardiovascular disease, and her classes were popular.  I commonly traveled with her and took her classes, which were a lot of fun and great for fitness.
-	What Denise really liked was the creative process of selecting the music and choreographing the steps building a routine that gradually increased in complexity.  She got totally engage in the process of creating interesting routines at the perfect skill and fitness level of her students.
-	Similarly, she got into the creative and technical processes of painting, just as she did in developing masterful, interesting, and informative power point presentations. 
-	These characteristics of creativity and competence where a few of the many things that I love about Denise.

Denise was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2010 and she struggled with its unending insults for 13 years. Its many symptoms progressed rapidly in recent years, eventually robbing her of mobility, creating debilitating anxiety and agitation, and impeding her ability to find words and speak. How she struggled against these imposed limitations and loss of independence

As her world shrank and her symptoms became totally intractable she was fortunate to have the help of wonderful home health aides, particularly Isata and Patricia. Her daughter, Bahia, and her son, Don, provided constant support and love. Her cousin, Linda, and sister, Doreen, regularly helped me care for her. 

Gradually, however, it was mostly just you and me. I loved caring for you, Denise, as complicated and difficult as it became. Even at your most agitated I could hold you tell you I love you and that I would always be there for you, which helped to calm and comfort you. How I miss being able to hold and comfort you. We were affectionate and loving to the end.

If grief is the price of love, I shall grieve long and hard, keeping your memory alive in my heart always.

Goodbye, Denise, I will always love you.

Your loving husband, Bruce

I met Denise when her daughter Bahia and I became friends in junior high. I have so many years of fond memories that attest to what an amazing woman she was. I remember being dazzled by her being the first woman scientist I knew in real life, and thrilled by what an absolutely fun and nurturing parent she was to her kids. Denise always had words of wisdom for us as kids, teens, and young adults, her insight always woven with clever wit and a great sense of humor. Her patience and generosity were endless for us high school kids hanging out in her house on the regular, and she had such great taste in music and art that she shared with us. As I grew into young adulthood, Denise continued to inspire me in so many ways, from her many creative and artistic successes, to her fitness certification as an aerobics instructor and the author of an incredible memoir--all the while remaining a pillar for her amazing family. A true Renaissance Woman, she lived the intersection of the arts, science, and literature with an enthusiasm I will remember always.

Dear Bruce and family,
I am saddened to hear the news of Denise's passing.  I recall her fondly. She was the graduate teaching assistant when I took advanced epidemiology methods at the University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health back in 1989.  She was a couple of years ahead of me in the PhD program at the time. She went on to a successful faculty position at Baylor College of Medicine, and we continued to have a warm and collegial relationship during our time together in Houston. After she joined NHLBI, we worked together on REACT, ACCORD, and a guideline implementation initiative, among other efforts.  I’ll remember her friendship, scientific rigor, sense of humor, and collegiality.  I am smiling while remembering her take on “ACCORD: The Movie” when we were going through some dramatic times. She knew how to cut through tension (and malarkey) with humor and compassion while not sacrificing rigor. Her memory is a blessing!
David Goff

One of my favorite memories of Denise is at the second Steering Committee Meeting for the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium (PLUS) in 2015. This was a group of scientists ranging from surgeons to public health professionals struggling to find a common language and a sense of ease with each other. Trying to find a common language was a struggle. During the morning break, Denise led the group in a 5 minute exercise routine. It helped break the tension and brought smiles to faces. It was so unexpected that it worked.

I met Denise in 2014 about a year after I joined the NIDDK with the express goal of of prevention of bladder problems in women.  As a urologic surgeon, I knew nothing about prevention science. A colleague suggested I meet with Denise who had extensive experience in large research consortia for heart disease and was working in the NIH Office of Disease Prevention - what could be more perfect?

During our first meeting, I was quickly overwhelmed by Denise's knowledge, energy and enthusiasm. She confirmed that I really didn't understand prevention science and wasn't quite sure my goal was achievable given the current state of knowledge and science. The world of heart disease had objective determinants and endpoints. The bladder had subjective symptoms and few objective endpoints.
She was impressed that I had secured funding for this project and was willing to work with me for a year between securing the funding (writing the request for proposals, selecting the research centers) and kicking off the consortium.

As we were nearing kicking off the consortium, she decided to retire. I was crushed. Her value to me (and the scientific endeavor being launched) was immeasurable. Fortunately for me, she agreed to serve as the PLUS Steering Committee Chair. We lived near each other in downtown Bethesda and we had weekly meetings in Caribou or Starbucks.

The challenges of laying the scientific foundation for a new area of science - bladder health and prevention of bladder conditions were never ending from both the scientific and group dynamics standpoint. It was serial problem solving an a daily basis. After a year and a half, Denise made the decision to resign as Steering Committee Chair because it was too stressful (and it was). The foundation for prevention was solid enough that I was able to let her go as a colleague. Denise's input was seminal and I am forever grateful that she stepped out of her comfort zone to help the PLUS Consortium.

In spite of the intensity of our professional relationship, we laid the seeds of friendship and after she left PLUS we became great friends even though we were opposites in many ways. I loved her style and creativity. She was high energy and had passion and talent for so many things. I was in awe of her ability to write such a wonderful memoir. When I decided to take my health and fitness seriously, she was very supportive and even suggested that Bruce would be a good cycling partner for me (and he was). 

Bruce, Denise and I had 3 relationships. Denise and I had our friendship; Bruce and I were cycling buddies and the 3 of us enjoyed dinner and movies. They were great friends during the break up of my marriage and the 4 of us were able to continue to socialize. They were amazing together and very generous to me.

I got to know Denise's children and many of her extended family. I tried to upload one of my favorite pictures of Denise her inside Juniper's pop-up playpen in 2019 (with Juniper). She was so happy to be a grandmother.

While I left the DC area in 2020 to be near my son, I have been able to maintain by relationship with Denise and Bruce. It was heart-breaking to watch  her body betray her. She did everything in her power to slow the progression. When I last saw her in June 2023, she was working on a new exercise routine. Her quick wit and sense of humor were still evident.

The winter storm in Tennessee has prevented me from being with her family for the celebration of Denise's life. I waited until the time of visitation to write this tribute as my feelings have been all over the place and difficult to put into words. 

I am virtually hugging all of her family members and wish I were there to share the tears and laughter. 

Denise is a one of a kind wonder who lives on in my heart.

JEFFREY CUTLER
To Bruce, Denise’s children and grandchildren, her sisters, and the rest of Denise’s dear family: I am terribly saddened at Denise’s passing, and feel deeply for you, as well as for all of us who knew this remarkable person as a friend, colleague, and inspiration.  She was far too young to leave us, but she packed a huge amount of joyous and productive living into her years.
Of course, I knew Denise mainly through our mutual work at NIH.  From the time I interviewed her for an opening in the Prevention Research Branch and immediately set my mind on hiring her, she greatly impressed all of us, including our academic partners in multicenter clinical trials.  She cut her teeth on some smaller trials of lifestyle change, including one focusing on physical activity – a modifiable risk factor that had been relatively neglected and one which she championed effectively.  Her major foray into drug trials was ACCORD, a study which targeted 3 major risk factors in type 2 diabetes.  She started out with overall NHLBI responsibility for management of its launch, but difficulties in implementation under an inexperienced project officer were soon recognized and the eminent clinical trialist who served as Steering Committee chair privately threatened to quit unless Denise took over as project officer personally.  After resisting having my star medical epidemiologist focus so much on one project, I (and she) consented to the change. ACCORD was subsequently conducted very successfully, and left a substantial mark on the field. 
Another great success was the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, in which Denise partnered with a wonderful staff nutritionist, to test the effectiveness of certain dietary patterns, later combined with reduction of saft intake.  These feeding trials were so successful that the results ended up as a lead article in the New England Journal of Medicine.  The DASH diet is still included in the literature as one optimal diet for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Denise’s scientific prowess and leadership skills gradually marked her for advancement, and when the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications directorship became vacant, she was one of the 3 finalists being considered. When the then NHLBI Director asked me for advice, I naturally urged him to name Denise, but as much as he recognized her abilities, he admitted that her willingness to strongly advocate to him for actions she really believed in made him so uncomfortable that he went with a less assertive choice. Our collective loss!
The time came when Denise’s ambition and energy caused her to reach beyond purely research management, and with the encouragement of many of us, she applied successfully for the position of director of the NHLBI program of public health education and knowledge application.  She and her staff developed a superb program plan that was never wholly supported in the midst of several changes in the NHLBI leadership.  This was also during the period when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.  A few years into these developments, Denise retired.  
Over her remaining years she exercised her characteristic courage and determination in the struggle with this debilitating disease, in order to maintain her functioning, especially for playing with her granddaughter.   Further, as a capstone to her career, she wrote her memoir and allowed me to review several successive versions. From that came a much greater understanding of her intellectual grounding and the origins of our common outlook on health and medicine -- the “population perspective” and the way epidemiology provides a framework for understanding causes, prevention, and treatment of disease.  I think anyone who has not delved into “Public Health/ Private Disease: A Memoir”, should do so to have a complete picture of her legacy. 
 


Our condolences for your loss.  With deepest sympathy from your coworkers at Crystal Mover Services.

Dear Simons-Morton Family,

There are almost no words to describe the loss of Denise.  What an amazing woman, scientist, wife, mother, artist, writer, colleague, friend, sister, and on and on the list goes because she was a true Renaissance woman!  

I have Denise to thank for hiring me at NHLBI back in 2007 when she was our Branch Chief, but I didn't have the joy and privilege of working with her for too long before she moved on.  I have often thought about the wisdom she imparted to me in so brief a time--about science, writing, organizational issues, and so much more.  I valued her direct and forthright nature, her highly organized thought processes, her huge intelligence and great communication skills, her enthusiasm and warmth, and her honesty and candor.  She was a role model to me, and I am so glad that she had such a full and rich life!  I only wish that she were still here.  

I loved talking with her about diet and exercise and enjoyed hearing about when she taught aerobics.  The last time I saw Denise was in November 2019 when we got together for lunch and also because I asked her to sign a copy of her wonderful book, "Public Health/Personal Disease: A Memoir"; since that time I have thought of Denise often, and now I plan to re-read her memoir in her honor.

My heart goes out to you all who had her in your lives every single day because I know there is a big hole now where her huge presence once was.  I hope that feeling her heart and spirit in your lives, along with your memories of Denise, will strengthen and warm you.

With sincere condolences,

Joni Snyder

Bruce, We are so very deeply sorry for your loss.  You and your whole family are in our deepest thoughts and prayers.

I was always struck by the depth of connection between Denise and Bruce, and the closeness of their family.  It is treasure.  My deepest sympathies to your family.

Dear Bruce,
I am very sorry to read about your wife's departure. I read her very impressive achievements and she evidently made a very great contribution to the health of humanity. She was a very devouted professional woman. 
I am very sorry she left us, I would have loved to know her better. 
Undoubtedly, she will be missed by the many worlds she conquered.
It is time for her to rest. May she rest in peace. 
Maria del Rio -Rumbaitis 

The Board members of International Student Conferences Inc. send their sincere condolences to Bahia and the entire family of Dr. Simons-Morton. Although we never met her, she clearly was a wonderful person. Our thoughts go to you all at this time.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Denise's passing. It was a great gift for me and for my colleagues to be able to work with and learn from her. Fortunately for us, a few years ago Denise published a memoir "Public Health / Personal Disease: A Memoir." (https://www.amazon.com/Public-Health-Personal-Disease-Memoir/dp/1076196276)  In a review, I wrote, "Dr. Simons-Morton’s beautifully written and moving memoir is actually two memoirs. The “main story” – “Public Health” in the title – tells of her professional development as a physician, a scientist, and ultimately an epidemiologist and clinical trialist overseeing a high-profile portfolio at NIH. The other story – “Personal Disease” in the title and interwoven throughout the main narrative – tells of her struggles with a new diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Behind both stories is a loving family. And both stories are told with just the right balance of candor, humor, explanation, anecdote, and humility."

Condolences to Denise's family and friends. May you all be comforted by your memories.

Denise was not only a caring person who always treated colleagues with greatest respect and care. She was also a talented passionate scientist who contribute in many areas focused often on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.  As leader she also made sure that there were movements of fun and relaxation.  She was love writing and editing and she would repeatedly gently help individuals like myself improve our written communication.  She had many important contributions but also many many smaller and largely unseen contributions where she made those who work with her more effective.  She would help to those who were easy to help and those who were harder to help always with kindness and often without bringing attention  to those she was helping .  She made the world  and those who lives she touched better. 

Larry Fine  

Dear Bruce, Our hearts go out to you and your family. Denise's kindness, intelligence, and grace will never be forgotten.  Kaigang and family

Denise was one-of-a-kind...so devoted to her family and always looking out for the welfare of others.   She excelled at the NIH and always took the side of science, defending her positions with evidence.  Her contributions to medical science and the search for cures for diseases have saved many lives.  

Her sense of humor and her laughter were infectious. In a balloon ride we took together with our spouses in Sedona, she declared "This must be how bubbles feel". She was always fun to be around. 
   
Denise will be missed by many many scholars and friends.  She was a gem.  I feel fortunate to have been given the chance to get to know her and her family over many years. 

My deepest condolences to Bruce, their children, and the whole Simons-Morton family.  

      David Sleet, Ph.D.
      CDC

A year ago Denise turned to me and said that I was the brother she never had. In response I told her that she was the sister I never had. Denise was hard to know but easy to like. Smartest person I've ever known. Respected her immensely, loved her more. I will miss her until I'm gone. 

Mom could recite this poem by heart and it will forever make me think of her. 

The Knight Whose Armour Didn't Squeak
By A.A. Milne

Of all the Knights in Appledore
The wisest was Sir Thomas Tom.
He multiplied as far as four,
And knew what nine was taken from
To make eleven. He could write
A letter to another Knight.

No other Knight in all the land
Could do the things which he could do.
Not only did he understand
The way to polish swords, but knew
What remedy a Knight should seek
Whose armour had begun to squeak.

And, if he didn't fight too much,
It wasn't that he didn't care
For blips and buffetings and such,
But felt that it was hardly fair
To risk, by frequent injuries,
A brain as delicate as his.

His castle (Castle Tom) was set
Conveniently on a hill;
And daily, when it wasn't wet,
He paced the battlements until
Some smaller Knight who couldn't swim
Should reach the moat and challenge him.

Or sometimes, feeling full of fight,
He hurried out to scour the plain,
And, seeing some approaching Knight,
He either hurried home again,
Or hid; and, when the foe was past,
Blew a triumphant trumpet-blast.

One day when good Sir Thomas Tom
Was resting in a handy ditch,
The noises he was hiding from,
Though very much the noises which
He'd always hidden from before,
Seemed somehow less....Or was it more?

The trotting horse, the trumpet's blast,
The whistling sword, the armour's squeak,
These, and especially the last,
Had clattered by him all the week.
Was this the same, or was it not?
Something was different. But what?

Sir Thomas raised a cautious ear
And listened as Sir Hugh went by,
And suddenly he seemed to hear
(Or not to hear) the reason why
This stranger made a nicer sound
Than other Knights who lived around.

Sir Thomas watched the way he went -
His rage was such he couldn't speak,
For years they'd called him down in Kent
The Knight Whose Armour Didn't Squeak!
Yet here and now he looked upon
Another Knight whose squeak had gone.

He rushed to where his horse was tied;
He spurred it to a rapid trot.
The only fear he felt inside
About his enemy was not
"How sharp his sword?" "How stout his heart?"
But "Has he got too long a start?"

Sir Hugh was singing, hand on hip,
When something sudden came along,
And caught him a terrific blip
Right in the middle of his song.
"A thunderstorm!" he thought. "Of course!"
And toppled gently off his horse.

Then said the good Sir Thomas Tom,
Dismounting with a friendly air,
"Allow me to extract you from
The heavy armour that you wear.
At times like these the bravest Knight
May find his armour much too tight."

A hundred yards or so beyond
The scene of brave Sir Hugh's defeat
Sir Thomas found a useful pond,
And, careful not to wet his feet,
He brought the armour to the brink,
And flung it in...and watched it sink.

So ever after, more and more,
The men of Kent would proudly speak
Of Thomas Tom of Appledore,
"The Knight Whose Armour Didn't Squeak."
Whilst Hugh, the Knight who gave him best,
Squeaks just as badly as the rest.

We are thinking of you and your family at this time.

I have so many fond memories of Denise from my many years of working with her at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.  I told her that my older son, Daniel, needed to interview a scientist for his school project, so I suggested that he interview Denise.  Denise immediately saw how shy he was and said "Would you like me to tell you about a study I'm working on right now?"  Daniel said no and Denise said, "Well I'm going to tell you about it anyway," and she explained everything in a way that he could understand.  He made an "A" on the project.    

I also remember a clinical trial meeting I was at with Denise in Texas.  The treatment did not show a beneficial effect, but a statistician reported that his method of handling missing data improved the results so that they almost became statistically significant.  Denise sarcastically whispered to me, "Gee, if we only had more missing data, maybe the result would have been statistically significant!"

OBITUARY

Dr. Denise Simons-Morton

8 February, 1951 – 10 January, 2024

DeVol Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services