Obituary of Dena Sharon David

Dena Sharon David was born July 31, 1949 and died January 30, 2010. Dena loved people, those she knew, and those she just met. She cared about everyone, and always knew exactly what to say. She knew their children's names and birthdays, their friends and their hopes and dreams. Everyone who knew Dena loved her, because she loved them. She was mother to the friends of her children, many of whom would bring their problems to her before they could talk to their own parents. Dena battled health problems for 36 years. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1973 and Endometrial Cancer in 2008. She lived with pain; she lived with fear of her own demise; she persevered until she could persevere no longer. She defied the odds and survived way beyond expectations. When the cancer became too much, she hung on until her loved ones had a chance to say goodbye, and then peacefully, and gracefully, slid away. Dena is survived by her husband, Ira; son, Jonathan David; daughter, Tracy Brooks; grandchildren Danelle David (5), Steven David (4), and David Brooks (2); and brother Burton Baker. The funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 1, 2010 at Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane, 89135. Burial will immediately follow at the Temple Beth Sholom section of Woodlawn Cemetery, 1500 Las Vegas Boulevard North, 89101. She will be missed. An endowment fund has been established at the University of Arizona in memory of Dena, to fund research in the fight against cancer. Those who wish to donate to this fund may send checks made payable to "The University of Arizona Foundation". Please note on the check that the donation is for the Dena David Fund. Checks should be sent to: UA College of Pharmacy c/o Development Office P.O. Box 210202 Tucson, AZ 85721-0202 For those requiring it, the Foundation's Tax ID# is 86-6050388.