Denise Adele Lucatero

Denise Adele Lucatero, 36, went home to be with the Lord on July 5, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born on October 9, 1987, to Francisco and Donna Lucatero. 

Denise was born in Redwood City, CA and lived in California until she was four years old. The family then relocated to Sheboygan, WI.  At the age of 11, Denise’s parents job once again relocated them, and Denise then moved to Chihuahua, Chih., Mex.

Growing up, family and family time, was always a priority.  Denise grew up in a tight knit family. She was the youngest of her siblings. The family spent their quality time together going on bike rides and camping on weekends. 

After graduating high school, Denise earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Design from Instituto Superior de Arquitectura Y Dieseno (ISAD) in Chihuahua, Mex.

Denise met her husband, Luis, when they were 16 years old in Chihuahua. They were soulmates united in marriage, June 2013. During their relationship, they welcomed two daughters, Maya and Mia. Denise found much joy in being a wife and a mother. She was a very attentive, hands-on mother, attending all the girls activities and had much passion in creating crafts and decorations for their birthdays, holidays, and events.

Denise was a vital member of her family.  Her loss leaves a void. Not only was she an amazing daughter, who loved her parents unconditionally, she was also an amazing sister.  She loved her nieces and nephews and she took on a very nurturing, trusted friend role in their lives. 

Denise was well loved by many friends; they became her extended family. With the addition of Denise’s love, her friends gained a sister.  

By all who loved her, she was someone who was to be admired, lit and dominated any room she walked into, had the most contagious smile, and had the cutest nose crinkle when she laughed. When you were in her presence, Denise made you feel very welcomed and important.  She was a chameleon, who could get along with anyone and everyone and never knew a stranger.

Denise’s passion of design grew into her becoming an entrepreneur and opening up her own small business.  Her designs ranged from small wood working pieces to larger custom made-to-order designs.  She was also commissioned to design and decorate for various events. To own one of her pieces is to have a piece of love and beauty.

Denise is survived by her loving husband, Luis Hernandez; daughters, Maya and Mia; parents, Francisco and Donna Lucatero; siblings, Jolene (Ernesto) Elizalde, Frank (Erin Schmitt) Lucatero, Daniel Lucatero, and Erica Lucatero; five nieces, five nephews, and a great-niece and great-nephew; in-laws, Carlos Adolfo Hernandez (father), Laura Acuna (mother), Carlos Adolfo Hernandez, Jr. (sibling), and Ana Hernandez (sibling), as well as many other loving family members and beloved friends.

Denise is preceded in death by her grandparents.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a short Prayer Service at 11:30 AM, on Monday, July 15, 2024 at Regency Mortuary, 9850 West Thunderbird Boulevard, Sun City, AZ 85351.