Denise Daughtery

My husband and I reside in Brunswick, Ohio. In our blended family we have 4 grown children, 3 grandchildren and one grandchild on the way. I taught Math and Computer Classes at North Royalton for 35 years and at The University of Akron for 1.25 years. Now that I am retired, I enjoy exercise classes, snow skiing, gardening, water volleyball, golf, caring for my elderly mother, organizing Ladies First meetings, coordinating cantors for St. Ambrose, and singing for liturgies and events.

My Mom was the Music Director at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Akron, so I started cantoring at age 12. My parents also had a Jazz Band with my Aunt and Uncle, so I learned how to play clarinet, alto sax and tenor sax at age 13. I sang in High School in select groups and played in several bands.  At family reunions there was always music played in different genres. Dad always said music was in our genes. Cantoring and choir participation at church have always been the way I use the gift God gave me.  Musical theater was a fun pastime in high school and also in adulthood for community theater productions.

Unfortunately, I have had many friends and family affected by cancer. That is why I know how much we need to support not only those afflicted with cancer, but their loved ones as well. As a teacher of students who lost a parent due to cancer, I often had the honor of helping the student and family with emotional and musical therapy. When the vocal music director at NRHS was fighting cancer, we organized a cancer rally. We formed a trio and we sang together for her strength on her journey.  She requested my assistance in coordinating a student/alumni choir for her funeral. It was important to all of us to comfort her in glory on her journey to heaven. It was then that I realized how much good I could do on a larger scale to reach out to friends and families in need. Having had so many friends and family members who have fought the cancer fight, I hope I can ease the burdens they bear with God’s graces.