Denise Elaine Reed was born in 1969 to Kathy and Charles Reed in Redondo Beach, California. Her brother James was born 3 years later, and the family eventually moved to Portland, Oregon. Her father Charles passed away in 1978 when Denise was 9 years old. Her mother Kathy raised the two children from that point on.

Denise went to a few different grade schools while growing up in Oregon, attended Mt. Tabor Middle School, and then Franklin High School.

She married her longtime best friend and love Jasson Sare in 1995 and together they had a beautiful daughter Madelynn in 1996.

Denise raised Madelynn while working towards her second college degree. During this time she was employed by Lou and Jocelyn Libby, helping them in their home with three small children along with little Mad. The Libby’s became Denise and Madelynn’s second family, and they developed a beautiful, lasting bond.

Denise held other jobs along the way as well, and eventually earned her Master’s degree in Social Work form Portland State University in 2006.

She met Rob Sandall during her final year of college, and they married in June of 2006 shortly after her graduation. Denise, Madelynn and Rob quickly became a loving family. Soon after her Mother Kathy moved back to Oregon and they all became very close.

As a social worker she helped people of an older generation adapt to the modern world. She formed loving bonds with them quickly, and became deeply involved with families as she helped ease their way into the later stages of their lives. She loved this work. It was her passion, and we can easily say ‰ÛÒ her calling.

This is obviously a very brief summary of a beautiful, wonderful, loving life. Denise lived passionately, with dignity and unwavering integrity. She was a woman who left behind oceans and mountains of beautiful love for all of her friends, her family and for «her people»- the folks she loved as a social worker.

She will be dearly missed. I hope you all continue feeling her love every day.

There will be a memorial service for Denise on Saturday, April 9th at 2pm. It will be held at Mt. Scott Park Presbyterian Church (Also known as Sanctuary Presbyterian Church) 5512 SE 73rd Ave Portland, OR 97206. They offered their facility to us at no charge, and Donations to the church are welcomed.