Denise E. Conrad

How do you describe a person in a short note?

Nurturer. Friend. Fighter. Deeply loved. Denise E. Conrad gave the world exactly 57 years of a life full of love, adventure, and care. She was known for her love for Jesus, her hospitality, and her ability to advise on any topic from health issues and when to plant a garden to how to change your brakes and what bible verse may encourage you.

Denise was born on August 30, 1961 to Robert Goldsmith and Helen Stanley, in San Louis Obispo, California where she had distinct memories of abalone shells and sand squishing between her toes as a toddler. Her family later relocated to Indiana where she graduated from Carmel High School in 1979, as a member of the ‘79 State Champion Ambassadors, and from Purdue University as an RN. Always the adventurer and learner, Denise, with her family, was able to move across the country, living in various states, until she finally settled back in Indiana, where she has lived the last 26 years, raising her two children, working as a nurse, and living in community with friends and family. Indiana was her mission field!

Faith, family, and friends were the core of Denise’s life. Her faith in Jesus was the foundation that allowed her to believe in miracles and see the best in all people. Her hope was (and still is) that people would be able to experience the love of Jesus through her. She was known to stop everything she was doing so she could sit with a person, listen to them, and pray for them, always following up later to ensure the issue had been resolved. Family is what Denise was able to build on her faith foundation. Denise shared her love of God, intentionality with people, and enjoyment of adventure with her two children, Kyra and AJ, as she homeschooled them for 8 years, drove to endless basketball tournaments, and countless late night conversations. Denise fully enjoyed her recent role as Grandma, ensuring that all the grandbabies had fun when they came over, went to plays, and learned about the love of God. She also had the unique skill of being able to stay connected with all 10 of her siblings who live across the country and her parents. Her great ability to connect with anyone is seen in her meaningful friendships, which she just considered as adopted family. Denise is known for her hospitality, always having an open door to her home, an extra plate at her table, and an open chair in her office. She had a unique ability to make anyone feel loved, fully accepted, and at home. For Denise, all people were welcomed!

Denise passed August 30, 2018 on her birthday. She is survived by her husband Gary Conrad, Children, Kyra Pappas and AJ Pappas, Daughter-in-Law Sarah Pappas, Step-Children Josh, Sarah, and Ben Conrad, 6 grandchildren, and cat Nala…and Gracie. Her life is celebrated by all that know her and we fully believe she was able to have an amazing birthday party in Heaven with friends and family who were waiting for her! She will be remembered for loving with all her heart, believing with all her soul, and living with all her might! Denise, you were, are, and will be deeply loved!