Denise M. Andrews, of Northeast, MD, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 after a very courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 19, 1931, in Paris, France.

Denise spent her childhood and teenage years in France and later moved to Morocco. While there she was an entrepreneur and managed a restaurant and hotel, where she met her husband Andy, the love of her life. When the family moved to the U.S. she was a homemaker and proudly raised her children. In later years her entrepreneurial spirit led her to partner with family members in owning and managing J&J Home Improvement Center in Elkton and more recently, Builders Surplus Center in North East. She was very committed to the business and it was a source of great pride for her.

She had many talents. She loved antiques and art and was an excellent cook. She was also very gifted in knitting, sewing, and furniture restoration. She loved her koi pond, and gardening and landscaping; she started every spring off with trips to garden centers and planted hundreds of flowers.

She was very compassionate and cared deeply about others, especially those less fortunate and had many favorite charities. She opened her heart to everyone that knew her. She treasured time with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was the holiday gatherings and cookouts. Her loving and generous spirit will always be remembered and carried on in the hearts of all who loved her. An avid animal lover, she devoted time to feral cat rescue programs and was loved by her three canine “children”.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Lyle (Andy); her children: Christian Serra and wife Karen of Conowingo, MD; Jean-Michel Serra and wife Brenda of Iowa and their three daughters, Ashley, Stephanie and Jessica; Philippe Serra and wife Pamela and their son Philippe II of Colora, MD; Ahmed Hara of Kings Lynn, England and his wife Safia and his children Lance, Jennie, and Michael; grandson Andrew Serra; siblings, Christian and Jacqueline, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, René Jean; mother, Germaine Berthe; brother René; son, Ange Dominique Serra; and daughter, Josiane Serra.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2PM on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 454 Bow Street, Elkton, MD 21922 where friends may call one hour prior. Special thanks go to her close friends, Carol and Jerry and her family in France for their wonderful support, love and devotion to her, as well Nicky and Linda and Seasons Hospice. Contribution checks may be made to “Seasons Hospice” and sent c/o R.T. Foard F.H., 259 E. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921.