Denice K Sebek
November 6, 1943 -- March 21, 2022

Denice Katherine Sharp Sebek of Carson City, NV, passed away on March 21, 2022, after a brief illness that was complicated by a history of health challenges. At Denice’s request, no services were held.

Denice Katherine Sharp was born in New York City, NY, on November 6, 1943 to Harvey and Rose Marie Sharp.  Shortly after Denice’s birth the family moved to Kevin, MT, where Denice’s father worked for the Big West Oil Refinery for 31 years.  Denice’s brother, Bruce, was born in 1948, and her sister, Priscilla, was born in 1953.

Denice attended grade school at the Kevin Grade School and graduated as valedictorian in a class of nine students.  Even in grade school Denice demonstrated what would be a life long love of language and writing.  She knew "bigger" words than her classmates and brought controversy to Kevin while in 8th grade, writing an Anti-McCarthy story in the grade school newspaper.  Her writing rattled a number of Kevin adults who were confirmed McCarthyism believers. They were sure the Communists were going to overthrow Kevin because of Denice’s article.

Denice continued her writing and journalism interests in high School, serving as the editor of NTCHS’s school paper, “The Refiner,” for both her junior and senior years.

After Denice graduated from NTCHS in 1961, she attended the University of Montana in Missoula.  There she met Edward Sebek, and they were married in Kevin in March of 1963.  

The couple continued to reside in Missoula where their first child, Edward Charles Sebek Jr was born in June of 1964.  Shortly after that, the couple moved to the Los Angles Area.  Their second child, Stacey, was born in Los Angles in 1972.

As a young mother, Denice was active in the Junior League and served as editor of Children’s Hospital Orange County volunteer newsletter. She enjoyed collecting music boxes and adored her dogs Peaches and Ginger.

She and Edward Sebek were divorced in 1982, but Denice remained in the Los Angles area for several years pursuing a career in the real estate field.  She worked as an  agent with Coldwell Banker Realty, and then began working for Ticor Title.  She moved to Bozeman, MT, and worked with the American Indian Programs Office at Montana State University.

While in Bozeman, she met and married Stephen Sabo.  Their happpy marriage was cut short with Stephen’s untimely death in 1993.  Denice then returned to California, working for Ticor Title in Foster City, CA.  

While Denice led a busy life, she made sure to be an important part of her children’s lives. She always attended her son Edward’s Little League games, track meets and tennis matches. She was Cookie Captain for Stacey’s Girl Scout Troop, attended Stacey’s swim meets, filled out ribbons for the contestants and sewed Stacey’s dance costumes and chauffeured her to choir practices and performances.

Denice unfortunately suffered a catastrophic episode of Guillain-Barré syndrome while living in Foster City, CA, in her early fifties; hence she did not have a typical retirement experience. Though she engaged in physical and occupational therapy aimed at restoring her dexterity, balance and strength, she continued to experience severe chronic pain and disability for the remainder of her life.  While she was not able to resume the physical activities that characterized her earlier life, she always kept her mind active through reading, listening to music, and playing word games - Spelling Bee was among her favorites.

She moved to Carson City, NV, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Denice is survived by her son, Edward Sebek, Jr and his wife Mary of Carson City, NV; her daughter, Stacey Keyser and her husband Jeff of Beaverton; and her sister, Priscilla Robinson and her husband of Belgrade, MT.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Rose Marie Sharp; and her brother, Bruce Sharp.

A Euology to My Mom, Denice Sebek

by Stacy Sebek

Today, we gather here to remember and honor the life of an extraordinary woman, Denice Sebek. Denice, a loving mother, sister, and friend, touched the lives of many with her remarkable spirit and unwavering determination. Though her physical journey may have ended, her legacy will continue to live on in our hearts.

Denice's life began on November 6, 1943, in the vibrant city of Brooklyn, New York. She was the oldest of three siblings, cherished daughter of Rosemarie Sidoruk and Harvey Sharp. Denice's family later resided in Hamilton, MT, and Yuma, AZ. Growing up, she embraced the joys and challenges that came with being the eldest, paving the way for her brother, Bruce, and her sister, Priscilla.

Before her schooling years, Denice and her family called Brooklyn their home. It was there that she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. As she progressed through grade school and high school at NTCHS, Denice's intellectual curiosity and love for literature blossomed. In 1964, she proudly graduated from NTCHS and embarked on her journey beyond the familiar halls of education.

Post high school, Denice pursued higher learning at the University of Montana in Missoula. It was during this time that she met and married Edward Sebek in 1964, in Kevin, MT. As their journey together unfolded, they traversed various locations, including La Brea, CA; Granada Hills, CA; and Villa Park, CA. Their love was blessed with two wonderful children, Edward Sebek, Jr., and Stacey Keyser, who brought immeasurable joy to their lives.

Denice's life was not limited to her role as a wife and mother. She embraced the pursuit of personal growth and professional success. She ventured into the realm of real estate, inspired by her unwavering spirit and the words of sales guru Tom Hopkins. Denice's perseverance and determination laid the foundation for a successful career. She later worked at Ticor Title and the American Indian Programs office at Montana State University, where she left a lasting impact.

In her journey through life, Denice faced both triumphs and challenges. She experienced the pain of divorce in the late 1970s, but it did not break her spirit. Denice's resilience shone brightly as she moved forward, making a new life for herself and her children in Huntington Beach, CA; Bozeman, MT; Foster City, CA; Vacaville, CA; and eventually settling in Carson City, NV.

Retirement did not unfold as Denice had envisioned due to the debilitating Guillain-Barré syndrome that struck her in her early fifties. Despite the limitations it imposed, Denice's indomitable spirit never wavered. She channeled her love for reading, music, and word games into keeping her mind active. Denice continued to inspire others through her unwavering determination and strength.

Denice will always be remembered for her love of language and literature. Her passion for reading was passed down to her children, enriching their lives in countless ways. She had a gift for storytelling and a love for the classics, allowing her to transport herself and others to grand adventures through the magic of books.

One memory that stands out is Denice's pursuit of a real estate career after her divorce. She fearlessly ventured into a world that did not yet fully recognize the value of independent women. She drew inspiration from the teachings of Tom Hopkins and instilled in her family the importance of positivity and perseverance. Denice's personal journey of self-recreation and her commitment to equality serve as an enduring testament to her strength and determination.

Denice's infectious humor and zest for life were constants throughout her journey. From her sporty days playing tennis and skiing to her quick wit and love for silly jokes, she brought laughter and joy to those around her. Her energy may have dimmed in later years, but her spirit remained bright, touching the lives of others through phone calls, emails, and shared moments of laughter.

Denice's compassion for others was exemplified by her involvement in the Golden Gate Club during her school days. Together with her friends, she worked tirelessly to support underprivileged families, igniting a lifelong passion for advocating for the underdogs.

Denice's life was filled with cherished memories, including the beautiful romance she shared with Bob Sabo. Their love brought light to her life, offering solace during her own health struggles.

As we bid farewell to Denice, we hold onto the memories of her time spent in her Nana's kitchen, her pride in her unique name, and her love for her children, which knew no bounds. She exemplified the strength of a woman forging her own path and the importance of family bonds that sustained her throughout her life.

Denice Sebek's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her unwavering spirit, resilience, and kindness will continue to inspire us all. May we remember her with fondness, celebrate her life, and carry her lessons of love, perseverance, and fortitude with us as we navigate our own journeys.

Rest in peace, Denice Sebek, knowing that your legacy will forever shine brightly in our lives.