Mary Denise Justice

Denise grew up in Chicago, IL and graduated from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago in 1963 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marquette University in 1967. Following her graduation, she proudly served her country as a Med/Surg nurse in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Stationed with the Medical Brigade in South Korea, she was promoted to Captain in December of 1969 before her honorable discharge in 1971.

Denise dedicated her life to nursing, finding her true professional calling in addiction recovery and rehabilitation. Her work touched countless lives in both the private and public sectors until her retirement in 2012. Beyond her career, she enjoyed being continually active in her community, spending time with her friends, family and her greatest joy came from being “Gaga”, spoiling her beloved grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Coleen Leonard, and Brooke Anne Fabbri (Thomas Maher Fabbri Jr.); her cherished grandchildren, Courtney Short, Hailee Leonard, Peyton and Avery Fabbri; Her brother, Michael Conway (Kristina Imke Beier) of Pretoria, South Africa. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, their families, and numerous lifelong friends and extended family. Denise was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Beth E. Justice-Kendrick (2022), and her son-in-law, Anthony Leonard (2020).

A wake will be held on February 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kraeer Funeral Home in Coral Springs, FL. A funeral mass will follow on February 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Coral Springs, FL with interment at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mary Denise’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.