SAN DIEGO Denise was 60 years old when she passed, after a long battle with cancer. Her middle name came from being born during hurricane Diane, in Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina. The family moved from NC to San Diego where Denise graduated from Madison High school, in 1975. At 15, Denise got her start in waitressing by working after school at Pied Piper Pies Restaurant, in West Point Loma. By 1986, Denise began to live her passion when she partnered with her brother Dan, as a waitress and manager at The Gathering Restaurant, in Mission Hills. What started out as a part time job lasted 28 years, up to the closing of the Gathering, in 2014. It was at the Gathering that Denise developed her high standard of waitressing, making her a favorite server, beloved throughout the Mission Hills community. She had a unique ability to remember her customers' names, their children s' names, along with what they ate and drank with their meals. She became, without a doubt, the most requested server. Some weekends she had so many requests the restaurant business almost doubled while customers waited in line at the door . On many occasions, people thought Denise was the owner of the restaurant. Her dedication to her work was admirable. Denise enjoyed reading and did so everyday. She also enjoyed working on crossword puzzles in the paper. She had friends that came to the restaurant just to share their passion for reading and working crossword puzzles with her. Denise was a proud Marine brat. She was very proud of her father, Capt. Daniel Thomas Komenic, USMC (deceased). Her father and mother, also a Marine, instilled a life long respect for all the men and woman of the armed services. Denise often gave free food and drinks to Marines, graduating from boot camp, who came to the Gathering to eat. Denise was an animal lover. She really loved her dog, Basha. While hospitalized, with cancer, Denise would ask about her dog every day. She couldn't wait to go home to hug her beloved companion, who loyally cuddled her on her bed. She was a stanch supporter in the rescue of abandoned pets. Denise was preceded in death by her father Capt. Daniel Komlenic, USMC. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Komlenic; her daughter, Daniela; three brothers, Doug, Daryl, and Dan; and sisters-in-law, Diana Lee and Cindy Komlenic; along with many nieces and nephews. Services will be held, at 2:00 p.m. on September 12, at Clairemont Mortuary, 4266 Mt. Abernathy Ave., San Diego, CA 92117. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the San Diego Humane Society. Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.utsandiego.com Denise Diane Komlenic August 16, 1955 - September 1, 2015

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Sept. 6, 2015