Denise Martin Allen

Denise Martin Allen, 82, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, formerly of Anne Arundel County passed away on June 22, 2019 after savoring all life had to offer.

She was one of two daughters born in Oakland, CA to the late Leon and Marie (Lambert) Mears. She moved around many times following her father’s military and economist careers, finally living in Indonesia, before returning to the states to begin her own family. She followed the amazing examples she saw in her family growing up: WWII hero’s, business leaders and innovators, therefore Denise had no other option but to pursue a life of excellence as well. Denise began her own family and set roots initially in Florida and eventually the family settled in Northern VA. As a mother Denise raised her children with love and endeavored to cultivate within them determination and excellence as well. Always reminding them that they could do anything, and when she said anything, she truly meant it. While raising her children she started her own craft store, The Five Reasons, in Northern VA where she quickly put them to work as well. She later founded Serio-us Lock in the late 80’s where she again engaged her children to help launch what would become an exceptional company. To her, the company was always about people and relationships, especially the personal relationships she forged with every customer she could. She spent countless hours on the road meeting customers because she believed there was no substitute for spending time together in person, getting to know one another as business people, learning about each other’s families, and certainly becoming friends. She was sincerely interested in how she could help anyone she met, and she instilled that perspective in her company so that to this day they measure success solely by how satisfied their customers are. She was even named in Who’s who of American Business. In true “Denise" fashion she gave 100 % of herself to many philanthropic and political organizations. She possessed a deep and abiding faith. Her prayer life brought much peace to her through life’s transitions and health concerns. Wherever she lived she became an active member of the local Catholic community, locally she was a faithful member of Holy Trinity. She served with several catholic women’s groups, supported the Lost Boys of Sudan, delivered medical supplies and helped establish 2 churches in Africa. Never one to let any “grass grow under her feet”, when not working, she kept busy. She led a very active social life and enjoyed membership with numerous social groups such as the Red Hatters. She enjoyed creating and collecting beautiful artwork, quilting, weaving, and much more. She had a keen eye for design as well. Denise always took the road less traveled and brought her family and friends along for the ride. Her children and grandchildren have especially enjoyed the rich times they have shared and memories created, as Denise reached the final seasons of her life. Her parting brings a close to an amazing and adventurous life and her legacy is a testament of faith, love, family, and determination.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children, John L. Martin (Lisa), Joseph L. Martin (Pam), James “Jamie” Martin(Ginger), Mary Lou Alcala (Gustavo), and Estelle L. Blalock (Danny); she was the beloved “Dinny” to 14, grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; she also leaves 1 sister, “GiGi”; and a host of other relatives and special friends.

The family will receive visitors at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Ave, S.W. (at Crain Hwy), in Glen Burnie, on Saturday, July 13th, from 10-11:30 AM for a visitation & rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 pm, at Christ the King Catholic Church(Holy Trinity), 7436 B&A Blvd in Glen Burnie. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Denise’s life at 1:30 pm at Singleton reception hall.  Memorial contributions in Denise’s name may be made to Mary’s Center 410-761-8082 a cause close to her heart.