Denise Elaine Carriveau

Denise Elaine Carriveau(McClendon), died of complications related to oral cancer on the morning of March 23, 2025. She was sixty-four years old. Denise was born in Texarkana, Ark., to Noble and Merida McClendon on July 12, 1960. She will always be remembered for her endless generosity and kindness to others.

Denise attended Steven F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX, where she majored in Education and minored in developmental reading. After completing her degree, she attended graduate school at North Texas University, where she completed her Master's degree in Education.

Denise met her husband Louis Carriveau at First Baptist Euless where she left a note on his car to ask him out. Their first date was at the roller skating rink. They married on July 28, 1984 and spent 41 wonderful years together and had three children- David, Sara, and Michael. She often remarked that she considered herself a successful mother because her children “were gainfully employed and not in prison.”. Denise worked hard to support her husband when started his own business, all while raising her young children. Through hard times and good, they were each other's biggest supporters.

Denise was endlessly dedicated to her family. She supported her children through school and always encouraged them to pursue their passions. She took them to music lessons, band practice, play rehearsals, dance lessons, Boy Scouts, girl scouts, and more. She was especially close with her youngest son Michael. She helped him to overcome his challenges and encouraged him to be all he could be. When her parents were unable to live independently, she welcomed them into her home and took on the task of caretaking for her late father. When her brother Dennis died in August 2024, she organized his memorial and worked to manage his affairs in Chicago all while battling her own illness.

She taught Special Education for 30 years, where she helped her students learn not only English and math but also the skills to succeed in life beyond the classroom. She cared greatly for her students, and often went out of her way to support them by working to get them additional resources or donating coats, shoes, and even bikes to those in need.

Those lucky enough to call Denise a friend knew they could count on her physical, emotional, and spiritual support whenever it was needed. Her kind and gentle demeanor shined even in the darkest times. Her friendships were a huge part of her life. Every year she looked forward to her annual trips with her childhood friends. Denise was a faithful Christian who found great comfort in fellowship with her bible study group. For nearly 25 years the Women of Worship (W.O.W.). shared life, love, and loss together.

Denise was a phenomenal hostess. Fellowship and community were incredibly important to her. She planned countless parties and events and made it look easy. It was her wish to create a home where everyone was welcome and the door was always open to anyone in need. Her home became the setting of countless birthday parties, Girl Scout meetings, wedding showers, bunco nights, card games, pie contests, and the annual New Year’s Eve party.

Throughout her year-long illness, Denise continued to travel and attended many plays and concerts. She decided to live her life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances. To the friends and loved ones who knew her, Denise will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Denise is survived by her husband of 41 years Louis; mother, Merida McClendon; sons David Carriveau and wife Katy, and Michael Carriveau; daughter Sara Monfries and husband Nick.