Denise Eder

Denise M. Eder (née Woods), age 64, of Broadview Heights, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on August 7, 2022. Born in Massillon, OH on June 16, 1958 to the late Kenneth and Kathryn Woods (née Heckathorn), she was the devoted wife, partner, and best friend of Jim (James R. Eder, Sr.) for nearly 40 years. Denise was a dedicated and loving mother to James, Jr. (Whitney Dodds), Kaitlyn (Kristen), Andrew, Deanna (Nivlek Lewis), and her beloved dog, Buddy. She was also a warm and caring pet grandmother to Hildi, June, Oreo, Samoa, Milano, Duke, Margaret, Dallas, and Stella. Denise was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Woods and is survived by brother Raymond Woods.

After graduating from Garfield Heights High School in 1976 and living in Valley View, OH for a short time, Denise and her family moved to Broadview Heights in 1998. As a lover of music, she was a very active volunteer for the band, choir, and orchestra programs at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School where she served as the President of the Vocal Music Boosters and Chairperson of the band program’s uniform committee. She was an advocate and friend to everyone she met, having touched the lives of countless students during her tenure spanning over 10 years.

As a passionate matriarch, Denise cherished having her children home for the holidays and always welcomed other loved ones and friends into her home. She was admired for her warmth and altruism, always providing a safe space for anyone in need. In the summers, she enjoyed spending time at her camper and at festivals and fairs. Every year she looked forward to savoring Corbo’s lemon ice at the Little Italy Feast of the Assumption and partying around the Glockenspiel at the Cleveland Oktoberfest. She was always keen on a trip to the casino or a Sunday afternoon drive, especially one with no destination and accompanied by Jim as her “Uber driver.”

Private services were held at Faulhaber Funeral Home on August 8, 2022. In lieu of flowers, Denise’s family asks you to make donations in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.