Denise “Dennie” Madeline (Herman) Emerine, age 79, of Lawrenceville, Georgia passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, surrounded by love.

Born on July 30, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late William and Helen Elizabeth (Heythaler) Herman, Denise earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and devoted 37 years to teaching in Michigan and Gwinnett County, Georgia, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students.

An active member of the Catholic Church, Denise gave her time generously to numerous charitable and social organizations, both within and beyond her parish community. She was known as a natural gatherer of people — a bright light in every room she entered, with a smile always on her face.

Growing up on the lakes of Michigan sparked a lifelong love of the water. Denise was an accomplished water-skier and athlete, and in her prime, an exceptional bowler with an average of 185. She also cherished animals throughout her life, lovingly caring for many pets and tending to a small colony of stray cats that adopted her later in life.

Denise married the love of her life, Steve Emerine, on August 14, 1982, and they shared fifteen wonderful years together before his passing at the age of 50 on October 16, 1997.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Ross; grandson, Christian Clark; whom she adored. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Steve, and her brothers Bill Herman, Don Herman, and Jim Herman.

Denise’s radiant spirit and laughter will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine through every life she touched.

A Memorial Mass to honor and remember the life of Denise ”Dennie” Madeline Emerine will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 25 Wilkins Rd. SW, Winder, Georgia 30680 (770-867-4876) with Father Gilbert Exume serving as the Celebrant. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 20th from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home with a Rosary Prayer Service held at 7:00 P.M. with Penny Rogers and Pastor Debbie Carlton Officiating. In lieu of flowers, to honor Dennie’s legacy of teaching, the family asks that contributions be directed to Christian Clark’s (grandson) College Education Trust Fund C/O Stephanie Ross, Trustee in memory of Denise Madeline Emerine. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, 120 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (770-963-2411) has been entrusted with the arrangements.