Denise Marie Alldridge

Denise Marie Alldridge passed away, at the age of 45, on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at her home in Ontario California. Denise was born September 26, 1969 in Izmir Turkey. She was born with Spina Bifida and was immediately transported to Wiesbaden Germany where she underwent numerous surgeries. Denise never let the fact that she was born with Spina Bifida take away her zest for life. She never once complained about her disability or let it stop her from living her life to the fullest. As a family we never treated her as a person with a disability and it is for that reason that she never felt as if she was disabled. For example, when Denise reached the age at which children learn to ride a bike, our Father built her a motorized bicycle so that she could cruise the neighborhood with the other kids. As a teenager, Denise took it upon herself to spark a conversation with a young man with a disability that lived next door to us. He drove a car which fascinated Denise. She then made it known to us that she too would drive one day – which she did.

Due to our father’s military occupation we traveled a lot during our younger years but most of our life was spent in Germany where our mother is from. Denise graduated with honors from Nurenburg American High School in 1987 and went on to obtain her Associates Degree in Science from Mt. San Antonio College and her Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Phoenix. Denise also obtained various business licenses and certifications that she required for her career as a Substance Abuse Counselor. This was truly her passion and her clients and their wellbeing meant the world to her.

Denise met her husband, Michael Alldridge, in 1997. They were married on October 21, 2007 in Riverside California and resided in Ontario, California. In addition to being a loving wife, daughter, sister, and cousin, Denise was an Aunt to Nicole Hierl and Peter Thorsen and a Great Aunt to Summer Valdez. She was also a loving Godmother to both Nicole Hierl and Summer Valdez.

One of the things we have been hearing repeatedly from family and friends as the news of this tragedy has spread is that Denise had such a love of life and that her smile could light up a room. She truly spread love where ever she went and that is why her sudden death has left such a void, not only within our immediate family, but among anyone who knew her.

Denise is survived by her spouse, Michael Alldridge and his son Mathew Alldridge. Her parents, William and Roswitha Hetcher. Her sister, Margareta Thorsen and her family. Her sister Michelle Hetcher. Her niece and Goddaughter, Nicole Hierl. Her nephew, Peter Thorsen and her great niece and Goddaughter, Summer Valdez.

Your body is healed and your spirit is free – in loving memory from your family.

If you wish to make a donation in Denise's name, please visit www.spinabifidaassociation.org.