Obituary of Denise Kane Jones

Seminole, FL - Our cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Denise Kane (Smith) Jones, of Seminole, FL, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, after a short but valiant battle with cancer.

Denise was born in Bangor Maine on December 19, 1965, the eighth and final child of Margaret (Kane) and Paul Kenneth Smith. She graduated from Hampden Academy in Hampden, Maine, Class of 1984. She attended the University of Maine where she was a TKE Little Sister, then transferred to the University of Florida, graduating in December 1988 with a degree in Food Science. She was a Registered Respiratory Therapist and was Licensed in Risk Management and Patient Safety. She had a long and successful career as a Respiratory Therapist, followed by a second very successful career in Risk Management. Her position at the time of her passing was Director of Risk Management at Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL.

On October 20, 1990, Denise married the love of her life, Roger Jones and they had two children, Margaret Alexandra Jones, RN, and Gregory Landon Jones, Lieutenant, USMC. Marnie and Greg were her pride and joy. Denise was also a doting dog mother. She was an active member of the Krewe of Thieves of San Lorenzo and relished participating in the parades and other activities. Her fellow Thieves voted her the Princess of Thieves of 2013/2014 in recognition of her dedicated service. Denise was an avid, obnoxious fan of all things Florida Gators, especially Gator Football. She was a member of the Gator Boosters and the University of Florida Alumni Association.

Denise had a funny, quick wit, and she always brought the fun! She loved nothing more than to plan get- togethers, especially the annual Tittie Sistah reunion with her sisters and a few select Honorary Tittie Sistahs. She always made sure all the Sistahs had beads, bling, and flamingo hats for the event. She loved to vacation in Maine every summer to visit with family and friends, enjoying the lakes, and visits to Acadia National Park. She enthusiastically adapted to the Florida lifestyle, and most weekends you would find her out on her boat with husband Roger, and any friend (four legged or two) who wanted to come along. Watching the sunsets at the beach was also a favorite pastime. Denise was thoughtful, loving, fun, generous, and caring. If you met her, you remember her. If you knew her, you loved her. She was a special person who made all those who knew her feel extra special too. The many people who have shared with her family regarding her kind deeds, thoughtful gifts, and great laughs has warmed our hearts and astounded even us, although we all know what a treasure she was. The family wishes to thank all those who have assisted in her care and comfort in these last trying months, and those who have generously donated to her fund.

Denise was predeceased by her parents and sister Paula. Survivors include her husband Roger, daughter Marnie and her fiancé Mitchell Davis, and son Gregory, siblings Dawn MacDonald, Thomas Smith (Brenda), Peggy Craig, Veronica White (Terry), Greg Smith (Rae Anne), and Kathy Novosad (Tim), a host of nieces and nephews, and numerous friends that were like family. She will be greatly, greatly, missed. Our world will never be as fun again.

A visitation was held Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 5 – 7 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL. A funeral mass was celebrated 10 AM Friday, January 5, 2024 St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1955 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida.

Family and friends may visit 11 AM to 12 Noon Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. A graveside committal will be 1 PM Friday, immediately afterward at Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Ohio St., Bangor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay HERE or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay HERE .