Denise Cleone MacGregor

Denise Cleone (Berthold) MacGregor, age 72, of Cypress, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, surrounded by her family, after losing her battle with cancer.

 

Born on May 19, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, Denise was the daughter of William and Cleone (Ferrier) Berthold and one of five siblings. She moved to California before eventually settling in Texas with her husband and children. She carried her Midwestern roots with her throughout her life, embodying warmth, resilience, and a deep devotion to family.

 

Denise dedicated 30 years of her life to the Target Corporation, where she built lasting friendships and became known for her strong work ethic and loyalty. It was there that she met her significant other, David, beginning a relationship that brought companionship, laughter, and joy into her later years. She took pride not only in her work but in the meaningful connections she formed along the way.

 

Denise loved being outdoors, whether she was grilling and hosting family BBQs, spending hours out on the lake fishing with her brother Matt, or trying her hand at growing vegetables in the garden; she found joy in being outside. She took great pride in her yard, which was filled with bright, beautiful flowers, and was often in awe of what she could grow, finding happiness in watching things bloom under her care.  A devoted Houston Astros fan, she rarely missed a televised game and cheered faithfully from home. Her house was always filled with her beloved four-legged fur babies, and seldom were there just one.

 

More than anything, Denise cherished her children and grandchildren. She was their biggest supporter, never missing an opportunity to show up, whether it was little league games, dance recitals, birthday parties, or life’s everyday moments. She extended that same love and encouragement to the children of her extended family members, always making sure they felt celebrated and supported. Denise showed up not only for her family but also for her countless friends. If you were in her circle, you knew you had someone in your corner. Her pride in and loyalty to the people she loved were evident in everything she did.

 

She is survived by her partner, David Smith; her son, Chris MacGregor (Cathy) and their children, Madeline and Christian; her daughter, Kelley Middleton (Corey) and their children, Carson (Miranda) and Avery; her daughter, Corie Shine (Steven) and their children, Ryan and Rylee; and her daughter, Amy Gorton (Philip). She is also survived by her sister, Dana Froeschner (Keith); her brother, Matt Berthold (Julie); along with many extended family members and dear friends.

 

Denise was preceded in death by her former husband, Richard MacGregor; her parents, William and Cleone Berthold; her brother, Mark Berthold; and her sister, Diane Finnern.

 

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 14423 West Road, Houston, Texas 77041. In honor of Denise’s love for the Houston Astros, this will be a casual gathering, and guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Astros gear as we celebrate her life together.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider supporting Special Pals, a nonprofit organization that was near and dear to Denise’s heart.

 

Denise’s love, loyalty, and unwavering presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched.