Denise Annette Adams

Denise was a talented, generous, brilliant woman who was loved, will be missed, and will forever be cherished by those who had the opportunity of knowing her assertive, honorable, and tender spirit. Denise - known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, “Honey” to her husband of 37 years, and “Nene” to her brothers - was an amazing wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, whose guiding spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who love her.

Denise’s story begins on October 18, 1959, in Kansas City, Kansas, when she became the second child, and only daughter, born to Bernadine (Bernie) and Kenneth (Kenny) Nelson. Denise spent much of her childhood residing in Paducah, Kentucky, where she was raised alongside her three brothers, Ricky, Greg, and Kent. Before starting high school, Denise and her family moved to Highland Mills, New York, where she lived until she graduated from Monroe Woodbury Central High School. Some of her children’s fondest memories are of listening to Denise tell stories about the adventures she, her brothers, and their friends had in their youth.

After graduating high school, Denise moved back to the Kansas City area, where she attended UMKC and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering in 1982. Denise was one of only a few females in the engineering program and was quickly identified as an extraordinarily talented student. While attending UMKC, Denise met fellow engineering student Marty Adams. Marty often reflects on the paramount role Denise played in his own success as a college student, as he frequently reminisces about Denise’s incredible intelligence and talent which she shared with others freely.

Denise fell in love with Marty (with he in his overalls), which resulted in the happy couple marrying on October 15, 1983. Denise’s life-long journey with Marty began by embarking on their independent career goals as engineers, enjoying the outdoors, growing together as a couple, and spending time with family and friends. In their early years together, Denise enjoyed cheering Marty on as he played softball, spending time on float trips with their college friends, and establishing the foundation for their future family.

Denise and Marty had four children together over the course of 12 ½ years - from 1986 until 1998. Denise became a mom for the first time in 1986 to daughter, Tiffany Rose. Two years later, in 1988, Denise’s only son, Cameron Eugene, was born. Samantha Leigh came into Denise’s world in 1995, giving everyone a run for their money. Fourteen years after the birth of her first daughter, Jacquelyn Denise rounded out the family by coming into the world in 1998. Denise’s love and dedication to her children was unwavering and it extended to the grandchildren that followed and blessed her with joy and excitement. Denise loved and surrounded herself with her seven grandchildren and was excited for the upcoming birth of her eighth grandchild.

Denise was always keeping herself busy, spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends, working on projects, or traveling to warm destinations! On any given day, you might find Denise creating a piece of art for her booth at Bella Patina or building and repurposing furniture alongside her husband in their family home. Denise’s creativity, innovation, and artistic ability were a hobby to her, and an invaluable gift to others. Her artwork is cherished and collected throughout the homes of family members, close friends, and strangers.

If she wasn’t creating a piece of art, you might find Denise cooking and preparing meals in the kitchen, surrounded by family. On a holiday or special occasion, Denise could usually be found hosting the meal or event. In the warm months, one might see Denise gardening in the front yard, which she and Marty landscaped together two decades ago. No matter how busy she was, Denise was always doing something for, or spending time with, her family.

Denise absolutely adored the beach – sand, saltwater, and sun. She shared this love with her children and grandchildren throughout her lifetime, spreading her appreciation for nature, warmth, and life.

Denise’s physical journey on earth concluded on August 4, 2021, after enduring a 17-month battle with brain cancer. At the conclusion of this journey, Denise was surrounded by loved ones, in the comfort of the home in which she raised her family.

Denise was known for her huge heart and selfless generosity toward others. Friends and family will always recall her loyalty, dependability (albeit running a bit late at times), and the authenticity she exhibited everywhere she went. She displayed a fierce protection over those she loved, as well as the values she held dear. Denise’s assertive spirit was matched with a love so strong and bold that it’s very essence could take your breath away. That love and tenderness will forever be cherished.

Many loved ones have cleared the path for Denise. Those immediate family members are her father Kenny Nelson, her mother Bernadine Bukaty Nelson, and her oldest brother Rick Nelson.

Denise’s family will miss and honor her until they meet again. These family members are: her husband Marty; her four children: Tiffany Adams, Cameron Adams, Samantha (Adams) Mascaux, and Jackie Adams; her surviving brothers: Greg (Melissa) Nelson and Kent (Jennifer) Nelson; her eight grandchildren: Lucas Stackhouse, Charlie Stackhouse, Rylee Reckert, Barrett Stackhouse, Wolfgang Adams, Axel Adams, Amelia Mascaux, and (soon-to-be) Islay Mascaux; her many nieces and nephews: Sarah, Abby, Bryce, Josh, Tyler, Courtney, Bridget, Hope, Sophie, Savannah, Max, Xavier; many cousins and extended family members; and countless friends.

And so, the story will go on… until we meet again. We miss you every moment of every day, our Honey, our Nana, our mom. We love you – always and forever.

Denise’s family invites friends and loved ones to honor Denise’s life, love, and influence at an intimate memorial celebration from 10-11am on Saturday, August 14, 2021, held in the front gathering room at the entrance of St Charles Borromeo Church, 900 NE Shady Lane Drive, Kansas City, MO 64118.

The family is asking for any donations to made to North Kansas City Hospice or the American Cancer Society.