Denise Ann Plitt, age 56, died suddenly at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Aug. 19, 2015. Denise was born in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 3, 1959, to Frank and Audrey Zlotkowski, the oldest of three children.

She attended school, where she excelled academically. Denise developed a very strong work ethic as a young lady, baby sitting for friends and neighbors.

After high school Denise was employed at the Plitt Cinemas in downtown Chicago. It was while at work that she met Sam Plitt, the son of Henry G. Plitt, chairman of the board of the Plitt Amusement Co. Sam and Denise fell madly in love and on April 26, 1986, they were married in Chicago.

The newlyweds moved to Springfield, Ill., where Sam worked for Kerasotes Theaters. They also lived in Phoenix, Ariz., and Lake Jackson, Texas. In 1990, they moved to Oak Harbor, where they operated Plitt Amusement Company, our local cinema. Denise worked for Key Bank of Oak Harbor for many years and for Chase Bank in Texas.

Sam and Denise retired in 1998 and moved to Willis, Texas, to be near his children and grandchildren. Sam could not handle the heat, which Denise thought was wonderful. Sam won out and he and Denise returned to Oak Harbor in 2005. Sam died in January of 2008. Denise found her perfect job when she began selling Mary Kay beauty products. She worked her way up the company ladder, becoming a Director and received a Mary Kay car for her efforts. She was a member of the Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor for many years. At the time of her death, she was building a new home in St. John, Ind.

Denise was always known for her compassion, caring for others, nurturing attitude and remembering birthdays and anniversaries of all of her family and friends. Denise loved children and was an “adopted grandma” and “aunt” to many, some who have now reached adulthood. She enjoyed playing golf and had a passion for dogs. She and Sam enjoyed raising Yorkies.

Denise is survived by her mother, Audrey Zlotkowski and one sister, Janice (Robert) Sutka, both of Chicago; two stepchildren, Stephanie Plitt and Henry George Plitt II; and four step-grandchildren. Also surviving is sister-in law Lori Dietz; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ed and Carolyn Plitt; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and “chosen family.” Preceding her in death were her father, Frank and brother John.

A celebration of life will be held for Denise at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation in Oak Harbor with Gary Wallin, certified life celebrant. A reception will follow for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Regency on Whidbey Harborcare, CADA or Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (W.A.I.F.). Please visit Denise’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories or condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC.