Denise Maldonado received her angel wings Thursday, April 23, 2009, at the age of three. 

Denise spent the final days of her short, but memorable life surrounded by the family and friends she deeply loved and so deeply loved her.  

Denise was born July 26, 2005, the daughter of Laurencio and Laura Maldonado in Galveston, and from that day began living her life to the fullest.

She is remembered for her love of running, playing, and her quick laugh and smile.

Denise, though generally shy at first, had the unique ability to immediately melt the hearts of those she met.  She loved having her hair done like Gabriella Montez from her favorite movie, “High School Musical,” and was greatly looking forward to the church’s annual trip to Splashway and enrolling in pre-kindergarten this year.

Never a follower, Denise loved to be out front, and the members of the Industry United Methodist Church will always remember her as the “Gem on the Face of the Church.”  

Though her time with us was too short, she reminded all of us to celebrate her life and will forever live in our hearts.

Denise is survived by her loving parents; brother, Jaret; paternal grandparents: Anselmo and Virginia Alaniz Maldonado of Mexico; maternal grandmother: Guadalupe Aguilar of Mexico; uncles  Juan Maldonado and Hector Maldonado of Round Top and Victor Rocha of Brenham; aunts Gloria Rocha of Brenham and Martha Rocha of Houston; and many other wonderful relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Jose Rocha.  

Denise’s family received friends from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2009, at the Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville.

Her funeral service was at 11 a.m, Monday, April 27, 2009, at the Industry United Methodist Church with Dr. Timothy Abel officiating and the Rev. Elsa Ramirez assisting. Interment followed in the Methodist Cemetery in Industry.  

Friends who wish may make donations or memorials to L. Maldonado Memorial Account, c/o Industry State Bank, P.O. Box 66, Industry, Texas 78944 or to Industry United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 86, Industry, Texas  78944.