Denise (Tardiff) Berube, born in Lowell, Massachusetts on February 24, 1961, passed away on November 1, 2023, in her home in Brookline, New Hampshire.

Denise was born to Irene (Robert) and Raymond Tardiff and raised with her 2 older brothers, Robert “Bobby” and Roland in Dracut, MA.

Denise met her husband, Robert “Bob” Berube of 37 years while working at Adage as an executive secretary. Together they went on many adventures, from camping in the White Mountains to driving the length of the east coast on Route 1 in the days before GPS and cell phones. However, the best times were often spent with family baking chocolate chip cookies and playing Trouble on Friday nights in Mem’s kitchen.

After many years of travel and adventure, Denise and Bob settled down and had their first child, a German shepherd. Gretchen was enrolled in school and daycare; had her own seat in the car; and travelled to Mem and Pep’s on Fridays too. But she was just the warm up. Denise and Bob welcomed Selene in 1998 and Lindsey in 2000.

Denise became the CEO and CFO of the Berube household managing all activities from landscaping to billing. Her tractor was one of her prized possessions which no one was allowed to ride. She would be appalled by the current state of the yard and driveway and the fact some of the bills are now being paid online. GASP!

Denise had many loves but the biggest were her animals. Gretchen might have been the first German shepherd but not the last. Elsa became her buddy and best friend for 13 years. After her hips could no longer carry her up stairs to the bedroom, Denise slept on the couch so Elsa wouldn’t be alone downstairs for a year.

And then there were the cats. Ted and Pixie; Zach and Casey; Jason, Skip, and Pedro; and the latest pair, Donny and Marie. If reincarnation is a thing, you want to come back as a pet in Denise’s house. Beds had to be made every day. However, if a cat was sleeping in it, you got a pass. All rules had a “don’t disturb the cat” clause.

Denise volunteered at the library and humane society; loved bowling, chocolate, and The Beatles; and would drive obscene distances for a good coffee.

She was passionate about game playing - Quirkle and cornhole anyone? There was also Upwords, Uno, Pit, and LCR. Many an hour were spent around a table laughing and yelling on game nights.

Denise also loved the lyric. Beyond The Beatles, there was Celine Dion, Dwight Yoakam, and, of course, Donny and Marie. Towers of alphabetized CD towers line the dining room and singing was encouraged.

Denise is survived by her beloved husband Bob; her daughters, Selene and Lindsey; and her cats, Donny and Marie. Denise is preceded in death by her parents, Irene (Robert) and Raymond Tardiff; and brothers Robert “Bobby” Tardiff and Roland Tardiff.

Denise is loved by many and her absence will leave a deep void.

Private services will be held followed by a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Denise would love it if you would donate to your local animal shelter/Humane Society or Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center.