Denise Frances Neal (née Kerry)
Denise, aged 64, of Blenheim, Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on 22 July 1961, Denise was the eldest daughter of the late Kenneth and Jean Kerry. Denise’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a deeply loved mother to Angela and Craig, a cherished mother-in-law to their partners, Tea and Mollie, and a devoted and proud grandmother to Matthew, Angus, Daniel, and Maeve. Her love extended warmly to her wider whānau and friends, including her many cousins, sisters and former partner Geoffrey, with whom she shared a lifetime of cherished memories and laughter.
A passionate traveller, Denise embraced every opportunity to explore new places, always returning home with stories to tell and experiences to share. She brought that same enthusiasm, determination, and sense of adventure to dragon boating, where she was a valued and much-loved member of the New Zealand dragon boating community. Denise will be especially missed by her Simply The Breast teammates.
Denise’s kindness, strength, and love for life touched many,
and her presence will be deeply missed.
Messages to the family of Denise Neal c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
A Memorial service for Denise will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services,
15 Boyce Street on Saturday 7 February at 11am
CLOUDY BAY FUNERAL SERVICES BLENHEIM F.D.A.N.Z.
Service Details
Springlands Chapel
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services
15 Boyce Street
Blenheim
Saturday 7 February 2026
11.00am
Please note, three camera views are available when watching a service at our Springlands Chapel.
From - Kath Harding
Goodbyes are not forever, just make sure you have a great stretch of water & a Dragonboat up there D so we can continue for STB when we meet again. Love & miss you. Kath xx (Picton)
From - Teresa Williams
Hi Denise, just to say fly high in the hands of our Almighty in heaven. Enjoy the life there with no pain, no worries and just be happy always but we gonna miss your smiles, your stories about the dragon boats races, the long walks and your company. I'm saddened to hear you're gone and your memories will not be forgotten, your kindness as my colleague at work. Condolence to the whole family. Rest in paradise my friend. 🙏❤️
From - Mark Stirling
Very sorry to hear of the passing of the lovely Denise. She was my first girlfriend back in the early-to-mid 70s in Blenheim. Such a beautiful tall girl with huge personality. As a bullied 14 year old I couldn't believe my luck.
Although I had'nt seen Denise since the early 90s I thought of her often,
and will miss her now she's no longer with us. Goodbye special friend - Mark xxxx
From - Margaret Hatton
Thinking of you all as you say goodbye to Denise
From - Liz Anderson
Condolences to all of Denise’s family and to her wider family of Dragon Boat friends.
Denise fought long and hard and with such graciousness. May she now find peace reunited with those
she loved who have gone on before her. Sending you all love and healing at this time 🙏🥰
