KENNEWICK, Wash. — Denise Marie Arnold, 61, formerly of Lewiston, peacefully lost her battle with cancer May 17, at her home with her loving family surrounding her.

Didi was born on July 12, 1951, the daughter of Edmond and Rosalie (Caron) Gagnon in Lewiston. She attended Holy Cross Parochial School, Jordan Junior High School and graduated from Lewiston High School. She worked as a waitress at the Warehouse Tavern on Park Street.

At the age of 23, she moved to Santa Barbara, Calif. She worked at a restaurant, where she met her future husband, Johnny. They were married June 30, 1979, in Santa Barbara. In 1980, they moved to Elgin, Ore., where their two sons, Jesse and Simon were born. In 1986, the family moved back to Lewiston, where she worked at Korn Haus Keller for almost 10 years.

In 1995, the family moved to LaGrande, Ore., where she waitressed at Ten Depot Street Restaurant for 13 years. In 2008, she left her position at Ten Depot and temporarily moved to Portland, Ore., to take care of her eldest son, Jesse, as he was waiting for a lung transplant.

During this time, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and after successful treatment and surgery was in remission for 4½ years. Cancer returned and was found in September 2012. They moved to Hermiston, Ore., in 2009, and then to Kennewick in January of this year.

A loving, devoted wife and mother, Didi was also a talented seamstress and did many craft projects, specializing in bags, clothing and jewelry. When she wasn’t watching her favorite ABC soaps, you could find her out in her beloved vegetable and flower gardens.

Survivors include her husband, Johnny Arnold of Kennewick, Wash.; sons, Jesse Arnold of West Linn, Ore., and Simon Arnold of Hillsboro, Ore.; sister, Marge Carter and her husband, Dick, of Poland; niece, Kathie Cortes and her husband, John and their children, Tia and Tanner; and many cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents.