Denise Pino-Elliott

Denise Pino-Elliott was born on October 11, 1949, the third child of Justo Jose Pino and Melanie Geoffrion Pino. She grew up in Southeast Washington, DC and was educated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill at Holy Comforter School. She graduated from LaReine High School in Suitland, Maryland where she was taught by the Bernadine Sisters of St. Francis. She attended Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia and later the Catholic University of America where she was awarded both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. She always felt privileged to study theology and liturgy with “the best and the brightest” teachers at CUA. Denise was a woman who strongly believed in miracles. She married the love of her life, Rex Thomas Elliott, her first major miracle in 1987. Her next miracles came as Rachel Maria and Melanie Jean in quick succession. She loved being a mom and counted it as one of her greatest treasures. Next to her family, her other great miracle was being able to serve God in ministry. She worked at various parishes all over the United States and Puerto Rico as a pastoral musician, liturgist, and pastoral associate. It was her joy to minister to and be ministered to by such godly people. In 2000, Denise began her battle with breast cancer. Through the prayers and support of her friends and the parish community, she overcame that battle. In 2001, just after coming to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church as pastoral associate, she was found to have cardiomyopathy and was operating at only 10% heart function. Once again, her parish communities, friends, and Oakcrest School community provided both prayer support and practical help. She felt overwhelmed at God’s goodness as shown through these good people. Denise loved to tell stories. All of her stories had the same theme: “Isn’t God so good?! Aren’t we so blessed?!” On March 29, 2015, her big heart beat its last. She is survived by her husband Rex, two children, Rachel and Melanie, brother Jerome J. Pino and wife Janet of Pittsburgh, PA, sister Anne Pino Swaine and husband, Charlie of Elmhurst, IL, nieces and nephews Brian J. Pino (Laura), Terri Pino Buck (Tom), Michael J. Swaine (Stacey), Brendan A. Swaine (Huong) and Erin Swaine Viant (Peter); and many other relatives and friends. The viewing will be held at Borgwardt’s Funeral Home located in Beltsville, MD on Wednesday April 8th from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday April 9th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church located at 1029 Monroe St. NE, Washington, DC, with repast to follow in the school cafeteria. Prior to her death, Denise left specific instructions for these events, requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to our parish, St. Anthony of Padua, or to a worthwhile charity of your choice.