Denise Anne Mckenna's Obituary
Denise Anne McKenna, 72, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Tulsa. She was born on September 28, 1953, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Jim McKenna and Kathy Yates.
Denise lived her life with determination, strength, and a fierceness that defined not only who she was — but how she loved. A strong-willed and hardworking woman, she built a career helping others find not just jobs, but lasting and fulfilling careers. While her formal education was modest, her gift for connecting people and opening doors for others was extraordinary, helping countless individuals discover opportunity and purpose.
Raised in the Catholic faith, Denise continued her spiritual journey throughout her life until she found her church home at Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church. There, she became deeply involved in the life of the church, completing the Education for Ministry (EfM) program and earning her certificate in theological education and spiritual formation. Her faith in Jesus guided her life and sustained her through every season.
Denise was preceded in death by her mother, Kathy Yates; her stepfather, Bud Yates; her sister, Teresa McKenna; and two great loves of her life, Jay Brickhouse, Sr., and Donald Williams.
She is survived by her father, Jim McKenna, and stepmother, Marty McKenna; her sisters, Pam McKenna and Kathi Gillman and husband Lonnie Gillman; and her children: Jason Brandt and wife Amber Brandt; John Brickhouse and wife April Brickhouse; Justin Brickhouse; Jay Brickhouse; and Renee Rabovsky and husband Jonathan Rabovsky. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Rylan Brickhouse, Cade Brickhouse, Anna Brandt, Conley Brickhouse, Jaden Brickhouse, Trevor Brandt, Jordan Rabovsky, Hope Brandt, and James Rabovsky. Family was the center of Denise’s world, and her love for her children and grandchildren was fierce and unwavering.
Denise lived life on her own terms, and that did not change in her final years. When others set limits, she quietly — or sometimes not so quietly — pushed past them. Even in her last days, she remained strong-willed and resolute — exactly as she had always been. She was ready to meet Jesus, but it was always going to be on her timing.
She loved angels, the color blue, flowers, gardening, dancing, and above all, her family. If you look through photographs, you will likely find her dancing with nearly every person she loved. She was a firecracker — and if you had her in your corner, she would fight for you no matter what.
A celebration of her life will be held at Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 5635 E. 71st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest in the church garden, in accordance with her wishes. A luncheon will follow as family and friends gather to celebrate her life.
Denise loved flowers and plants, especially those that could be planted and tended over time. Contributions to Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in her honor would also be meaningful.
https://onrealm.org/StDunstans/-/form/give/now
She was ours. And we are certain heaven is rejoicing at her arrival.
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