Henrietta “Hennie” Denotsko (née Berner) passed away on July 17, 2026, after a brief illness with metastatic brain, liver, and lung cancer.

Hennie was born in Shanghai, China, and was named in honor of her mother, Henriette, who passed away three days after her birth. Following World War II, she immigrated to the United States with her father, Lothar Berner. After settling in Queens, New York, her father married Ella Berner, who became Hennie’s stepmother. Hennie graduated from Martin Van Buren High School and later attended Queens College, where she studied elementary education.

Hennie lived a life marked by hard work, independence, and curiosity. She spent her career as a bookkeeper and was admired for her dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic.

Music was woven into Hennie’s life from the very beginning. Her mother, Henriette, was a pianist of the highest caliber, and Hennie honored that legacy by becoming an accomplished classical pianist herself. She also shared her love of music by giving piano lessons. She especially loved the works of Alexander Scriabin and Frédéric Chopin and continued playing their etudes throughout her life. She was also a gifted artist who created beautiful beaded jewelry and found happiness in working with her hands.

Adventurous by nature, Hennie traveled extensively in her younger years and remained active throughout her life. She enjoyed family vacations in Wildwood while her children were growing up and was a strong swimmer. She embraced new experiences and brought curiosity and enthusiasm to the world around her.

Hennie was first married to Steven Frager, with whom she had her children. She later married Mel Denotsko, and together they shared more than forty years of devotion and companionship. They enjoyed fishing, trips to Round Valley, quiet country living, and their life together in rural Pennsylvania’s Amish country, where Mel’s craftsmanship as a master carpenter was reflected in the beautiful furniture he made and that Hennie cherished.

Hennie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Mel Denotsko, in 2024; her son, David Frager, on June 12, 2026; and her stepson, Steve Denotsko, in 2024.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim Mitchell; her granddaughter, Gabriella Frager, daughter of David Frager; her grandson, Aiden Mitchell, son of Kim Mitchell; her sister, Rochelle Berner; her brother-in-law, Harvey Hoffman; and extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

Mel Denotsko, a Korean War veteran, was laid to rest with full military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in 2024. Hennie will ultimately rest beside Mel, honoring the bond they shared throughout more than forty years of marriage.

Hennie will be remembered for her intelligence, creativity, independence, love of music, and artistic talents. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, curiosity, and a life richly lived. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.