Denise Marie Porter (nee Oakes), 72, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at her residence. Born in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Audrey (Sawatis) Oakes.

Denise was born on March 2, 1952 and raised on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation (Akwesasne) in Quebec, Canada. In 1971, she moved to Niagara Falls to start her own family.

Denise attended the Kelly Business School, as well as Niagara County Community College for Nursing. Denise was inspired, after the death of her mother, to study to be a hemodialysis technician.

Denise's employment for the last 29 years was in thermal solutions manufacturing with previous employment in the secretarial and retail fields.

In her free time, Denise enjoyed art, reading, sewing and her favorite – yard sales. Most of all, she cherished the time spent with her family.

Denise was predeceased by her grandparents, Joseph and Josephine Sawatis and Angus and Mary Oakes; parents, Samuel Sr. and Audrey Oakes;  two brothers: Jeffery Oakes and Lawrence Oakes; a nephew, Larry Oakes and niece, Danielle Lauzon.

Denise is survived by her daughter, Sharon Porter and Sharon's father, Herb Porter; two siblings, Samuel Oakes Jr. and Mona (Carl) Lauzon; two aunts and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Denise is also survived by her loving cat, Princess and her two beloved grand dogs: Bella and Chloe.

Denise will be greatly missed for her generosity, humor, creativity, thoughtfulness for others and overall kindness.

There will be a memorial service with interment at the Kateri Tekawitha Cemetery on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 2:00 P.M.  Please come and celebrate the life of Denise with her family.

Memorial offerings may be made to the Salvation Army 9491 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.