With deep compassion and profound respect, we announce the passing of Denise Lee Eber Barnes, 57 , of West Friendship, MD who departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at Gilchrist Residence in Columbia, MD.

Born in Catonsville, MD in 1968 during a time of the Beatles "Hello Goodbye" and Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" ruling the airwaves, she grew up amid the subculture, of laid-back Bohemian styles frayed bell-bottom jeans, sandals, crushed velvet suits, and bright tie dye T-shirts.

Being in large catholic family of seven children, she struggled for space in the car and church pew, but enjoyed the weekly family nights, many gatherings for prayers for birthdays and baptismal parties, large evening suppers with Mom's homemade dishes, breads and desserts. Each year there were family mini camping trips and large family camping vacations up and down the East Coast in their motor home: Dad driving and Mom giving history lessons about there they were, reading books to them, and having boxes of games, toys, and art supplies for all ages.

Growing up on a little farmette in Fulton, her love of animals expanded. There were always dogs and cats in their home and chickens raised by one brother. Denise participated in the Howard County 4- H programs raising goats and lambs. She would say she could still hear her mother's cow bell calling her and her siblings' home for dinner and homework.  She spun '70s music while would routinely help with stray dogs and fostered many of them, many in her family still remember her part a in the production of "Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat" in an Ellicott City theatre.

In 1986 she graduated from Atholton High School 1986 in Howard County and then went to Bauder College in GA for an AA in fashion design. After moving to Boca Raton, Florida, she worked for a clothing company as a designer and Al Stevens and Head Clothing fashion companies where she acquired business experience in the field.  Then she started her own clothing line called Smash Boy and also, a little online company selling and designing dog collars and healthy dog treats.

While living in Pompano Beach, FL she was hit by a car while jogging and spent several months of recovery from a fused back, broken arm and head concussion. She returned to Maryland and worked for Safeway as a manager where she met her future husband, John Barnes.

Denise was preceded in death by her father Ronald Eber. She leaves behind her loving husband and caregiver John, 15-year-old daughter Molly, and her mother Carole Reardon Eber. In addition, to her sibling: Bryan, David, Marc, Neil, Kristen, and Laura, her fourteen nieces and nephews, many close friends, she also leaves her canine family of 5 small dogs who saw her through her years of difficult days.

As we bid Denise farewell, we do not mourn the absence of her physical form but rather celebrate the essence of her spirit that lingers in the spaces of our home. For Denise is not truly gone but has made her journey home to God. Her energy is transformed and intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, forever dancing among the stars.