Rima Ayoub Denham, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, at the age of 70. Her death has brought sadness to her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her years in Lewes, Delaware, and beyond.
Born on November 5, 1955, Rima built a life centered around family, friendship, and meaningful relationships. Those closest to her will remember her not only for the roles she held within her family but also for the love, warmth, and memories she created for the people around her.
Rima was a devoted wife to her husband, Kenneth Denham, and a loving mother to her daughters, Andrea and Shannon, the latter of whom is married to Tony. She was also a cherished grandmother to Jaxson and Audrey. Her family extended beyond those closest relationships, with siblings Laura, Nancy and Charles, and Michael and Mireille, as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends who will feel her absence.
Her family was an important part of the life she created. For those who knew Rima, the memories of time spent together are likely to become an enduring source of comfort during the difficult period following her passing. Family gatherings, conversations, celebrations, and everyday moments shared with loved ones all form part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Rima’s life also included a strong connection to education and service. She spent more than 20 years working full-time at Montgomery College before retiring in January 2018. During her career, she served in customer service and later worked as a recruitment and enrollment specialist, where she helped students and community members navigate questions and services.
Her work at Montgomery College earned her several recognitions for outstanding service. Among them were Outstanding Service Awards in 2003 and 2008, a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award in 2009, and other acknowledgments for her contributions to students and the college community. She also earned an associate degree from Montgomery College in 2012 and completed its Leadership Development Institute program in 2015.
Rima’s passing also marks the loss of a woman whose relationships extended across generations. Her daughters, grandchildren, siblings, husband, extended family, and friends now face the difficult task of adjusting to life without her presence while holding on to the memories they created together.
A viewing and funeral service for Rima are scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium-Atkins-Lodge Chapel in Lewes. The viewing will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has invited those wishing to honor Rima’s memory to consider memorial contributions to Beebe Healthcare’s Tunnell Cancer Center, in recognition of the care and support provided to Rima and her family.
As loved ones gather to remember Rima Ayoub Denham, they will celebrate a life shaped by devotion to family, service to others, and the meaningful relationships she built over the years. Her memory will remain with the people who knew and loved her, particularly the family members and friends who were fortunate to share life’s important moments with her.
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