Denise Giroux Scioli

Denise Dell Scioli, (nee Giroux) 70, of Austin, Texas, died unexpectedly on the morning of August 5, 2026. She perished while doing what she loved, underwater metal detecting, in the San Marcos River near Rio Vista Park with friends. She was attempting to find a lost wedding ring when she had to be pulled out of the river and could not be revived. Her death may leave us with questions, but her life did not.

Denise was a devoted wife to her husband of 32 years, Mike Scioli, and a beloved mother to her daughter, Sulekha. Denise was born and raised in Oregon but moved to Texas as a young adult where she studied and expertly practiced homeopathy, the first of her many nurturing professions, for many years, She graduated from the University of Texas - Austin in 1990 with a degree in art education with specialties in art therapy and special education. Denise met her husband, Mike, in a biology class there. Their friendship grew into love, and they were married on a hot, humid day in June of 1994.

Being around children brought her so much joy. All children and animals were innately drawn to her lively spirit. Motherhood came naturally to her and, when she adopted Sulekha, the two immediately became inseparable. As a mother, she modeled strength, independence, compassion, humor, creativity, and, most of all, a steadfast nurturing love to her family, countless friends and animals alike.

Denise had many careers and hobbies. She was an elementary school art teacher and art therapist at Brushy Creek Elementary (Round Rock ISD) before transferring to the Austin ISD Alternative Learning Center where she worked in K-12 special education. She ended her career working in the activities department of an independent living facility. In all positions, her focus was creativity and fun.

She found many friends in each of these jobs. She also found friends and adventure through all of her passions from motherhood to painting, quilting, baking, gardening, pottery, paddling outrigger canoes, and building robots, to her latest hobby of metal detecting. Denise was quick to make friends, and once she made a friend, her loyalty and devotion ran deep.

She spent much of her recent retirement helping others, both newer and old friends, with various caretaking tasks. Nevertheless, at least one day each week was reserved for her greatest pride and joy, play dates with her grandchildren. Lukas and Olivia were bright lights in her life. She grew into a magical "Grandma Honey" who drew, swam, and skated with them, baked for them, and played any and every game they desired.

Denise was always a bundle of energy, always full of enthusiasm and love for life. She steadfastly refused to let age and injury keep her from doing the things that brought her happiness and joy.

Denise was predeceased by her biological father, Gerald Giroux, mother, Sharon Goodman, stepfather, Jim Goodman, half-brother, Zacharie Giroux, and brother-in-law, Steve Mann. Her abrupt, tragic, and untimely end leaves behind a trail of grief and broken hearts among her many friends and her family. Denise is survived by her husband, Mike; daughter, Sulekha Moler (Christopher); grandchildren, Lukas and Olivia; sisters, Yvonne Hudson and Sharel Firstenberger (Lester); brothers-in-law, Scott Scioli (Donna), Blaise Scioli, and Randy Scioli; sister-in-law, Monica Fiorini; father-in-law, Joseph Scioli; nieces, Sonoma Clampit (Nathan), Myra Musgrove, Kristyn Wenzel (Andrew), Brittany Fiorini, Dana Scioli, Arianna Fiorini, Erin Scioli, and Sarah Scioli; nephews, Ryan Scioli, Benjamin Scioli, Zachary Fiorini (Kelsey), Christian Scioli, Austin Scioli, and Blaise Scioli; grandnieces, Madison (Adam), Hailey, Annabelle, and Gracie; grandnephews, Anthony, Zachary, Hudson, Oliver, Remington, and Waylon; great-grandnephew, Liam; and stepmother, Christine Paull (Dave).

During her time on this earth, Denise touched so many people. We would love for you to join us in celebrating her life on Sunday, November 1st, 2026 (time and place TBD). Please come dressed in bright colors and casual attire as Denise would want this to be a joyous gathering and a fun time. Bring stories of how she touched your life.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Austin Pets Alive.