Denise Matroni

Denise Matroni, age 67 of Wilmington, NC, sadly passed away at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center on the 30th of December 2022.

Denise is survived by her husband of 45 years, Thom Rakes; her daughter Maureen Denise Conner, her son-in law Brian Conner, and her wonderful two-year-old granddaughter, Sienna Conner.  She also is survived by her sisters, Ann Verlinden (husband Gerald), Mary Matroni, Katherine Matroni Mobley (husband Bob), and her brother Bob Matroni (wife Nancy).  In addition, there are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family, as well as many dear friends who have become family over the years.

Denise was born on January 5, 1955, in Kansas City, MO to the late Robert Noah Matroni and Katherine Agnes Creegan Matroni.  After graduating from St. Teresa’s Academy in 1973, she went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri Columbia in 1977.  Her education continued throughout her professional career, earning the Senior Certified Professional certification from SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), and the Certified Compensation Professional certification from the WorldatWork association.

Denise enjoyed an extensive career in human resources, retiring in 2020 from a crowning position as Human Resources Director with Wilmington’s CFPUA (Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority).  Her earlier human resources work was with the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the City of Wilmington, and the University of Missouri Columbia.  She also was actively involved in the Lower Cape Fear Human Resources Association, Cape Fear Garden Club, and Port City Community Church.

The true tenor of who Denise was is reflected in the words used by her family and friends to describe her.  Looking through the many messages of support we see these words:  Joyful, Loving, Dedicated, Giving, Creative, Caring, Focused, Enthusiastic, Playful, Welcoming, Encouraging, Planful, Thoughtful, Humorous, Spiritual, Energetic, Inclusive, Spirited, Comforting, Generous, and Supportive.  She was the first to provide food, quilts and other sewing items, a helping hand, or a celebration event to others.

Join us at her Celebration of Life service to help honor the amazing life that Denise shared with each of us: 11 am, Saturday, January 28, Wilmington Funeral and Cremation Chapel, 1535 South 41st, Wilmington, NC.  All are welcome to attend.  The Celebration will be recorded and streamed for those who cannot attend.  A luncheon will follow the Celebration service.

The memorial service will be live-streamed and can be viewed by clicking HERE once it begins.

In lieu of flowers, Denise’s family asked that donations be made in her honor to REAP, or to your favorite charity.  REAP assists families in the Raytown, Missouri area who are struggling to make ends meet.

Share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the “Tribute Wall”.