Denise Kay Herron

Denise Kay Herron, of Trappe, PA, passed peacefully in her home on October 24, 2025. She was 73 years old.

Born on October 9, 1952, in Little Falls, NY, Denise (fondly known as "Nes") was the beloved daughter of the late Charles Lester Herron and Vivian Lorraine Collins. She was the devoted sister of Charlaine Schondra (Larry) and Todd Campbell-Herron (Ronald); cherished aunt of Amy Schondra (Rodney Lumpkin), Jason Schondra (Kelly), and Matthew Schondra (Eliza); and was predeceased by her niece Kristen Kay Schondra-Anthony. She was the proud great-aunt to Katie, Paige, and Gavin Lumpkin; Liam and Hailey Schondra; Brynn and Holden Anthony; Alee Albelice; and Wyatt, Scarlett, Emmett, and Bridgett Schondra. She is also survived by dear cousins and lifelong friends.

Denise was baptized at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Canajoharie, NY. She loved growing up in the little yellow house in Mapletown, surrounded by her immediate family and many cousins, aunts and uncles. She attended Canajoharie Central School where she enjoyed cheerleading, chorus, Student Council, and serving as Class President her senior year. She graduated in 1970 and was a NYS Regents Scholarship recipient. Denise earned her bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport in 1974 and went on to Washington, DC to intern for Congressman Pete Stark of California. There, she developed a passion for politics and public service. She received her master's degree at SUNY Stony Brook in 1981.

Denise's career took her to New York City where she began working with the Rent Control Department. She later joined the NYC Transit Authority as a Budget Analyst. Rising steadily through the ranks, Denise became Director of HR, Budget, and Payroll for the Department of Infrastructure, and retired in 2007 as HR Director for the Department of Way. She was one of the first women to achieve this level of leadership at the Transit Authority and paved the way for many women who came after her.

Outside of work, Denise lived a full life. An avid golfer who once considered going pro, she especially loved playing at the Canajoharie Country Club with her dad. Her love of the game led her to operate the same club in 1977 with the help of her sister and brother — an experience she treasured. She never missed a golf tournament on TV, and in recent years, had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of attending the Masters Tournament in Augusta, GA. She loved attending sporting events, including the Kentucky Derby. She was a devoted fan of the New York Mets, New York Giants, and Georgia Bulldogs football.

Denise loved to travel and got to visit many exciting places around the world. She also loved to visit friends and family throughout the country. Her door was always open when visitors came to town and Denise was quick to pick up show tickets or make dinner reservations at her favorite restaurants.

Family was everything to Denise. She never missed a family gathering or milestone, and she traveled to be with family most weekends throughout her years living in NYC. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She had a big heart and was a great gift-giver. She was the biggest kid on Christmas morning and took a "rip and tear" approach to opening gifts...the faster, the better! The best gift you could give to Denise was anything related to bears. She filled her home with bear-themed treasures!

Denise was considered "family" by just about everyone who knew her. She was famously competitive, whether playing board games or competing in the family fantasy sports leagues, and she never met a political debate she didn't love. She was incredibly independent and loved taking care of her family, her friends, her many beloved pets throughout the years, and her home. In her retirement, she also served her community as a coach for field hockey, lacrosse, and basketball, and was a Girl Scout troop leader and "cookie mom."

Denise will be remembered for her love, loyalty, humor, and spirited personality — a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her most.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Denise's life on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc., 21 Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 12 Noon. A luncheon will follow immediately at The Copperfield Inn, 594 W. Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA 19468.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Denise's memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (https://themmrf.org/) or your local Animal Shelter or SPCA.

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