Denise Harding

Denise Harding

December 27, 2025

Denise Esther Harding (formerly Lyden) born November 15, 1965, passed peacefully at home from a long well fought battle with cancer on December 27, 2025.

Denise is survived by her ever loving and adoring husband of 35 years, Timothy T. Harding, daughter Shannon K. Harding, son Neil T. Harding, sister Kathleen Quinn, nephew Colin Quinn and partner Lindsey Sawicki and their daughters Dahlia and Alina, nephew Liam Quinn and partner Gianna Cerra, nephew Aidan Quinn and wife Kailey Quinn and their son Tommy, father-in-law Thomas T. Harding and wife Carol Harding, brother-in-law Thomas H. Harding and sister-in-law Dana Harding, nephew Connor Harding, niece Alena Harding, brother-in-law Christopher C. Harding, nephew Thomas Harding, and niece Meagan Harding. Also surviving are Denise’s close cousins, Vincent D’Angola and wife Debbie, Kathleen D’Angola-Moses, Carmela D’Angola and partner Robert Kester.

Denise was preceded in death by her older brother Thomas J. Lyden - taken too early at age 15 in 1974 - her mother Martina Broderick Lyden, her uncle Nunzio D’Angola and aunt Kathleen D’Angola-Ward, grandparents Esther and George Thomas, mother-in-law Judith A. Harding and sister-in-law Christine A. Harding.

Denise was born and raised in North Scranton attending Holy Rosary Parish and grade school. She was a 1983 graduate of Scranton Technical High School and went on to Lackawanna Junior College to attain an Associate of Arts degree in Business with honors. She worked for the college for a time moving on to work in advertising at The Scranton Times then onto Northeastern/PNC Bank in the Marketing Department. While raising her two young children, Denise joined a local restaurant, The Texas Roadhouse, initially as a part-time server. Through hard work and dedication, but particularly a strong service ethic, she quickly rose through the leadership ranks being promoted to Managing Partner of the TRH Dickson City store in 2006.

During her 17 years as Managing Partner, Denise distinguished herself among her peers, winning numerous awards for service and performance at a company-wide level. She was nominated and a finalist for TRH Managing Partner of the year four times in her tenure.

Denise retired in 2023 while bravely battling cancer which was first diagnosed in 2021.

Denise greatly enjoyed planting and tending to her flower gardens, in addition to feeding and watching birds daily. She also had a tremendous love of fishing with her husband Tim and spending time in so many ways with their deeply loved children, Shannon and Neil, and her sister, Kathy. Denise had a close and treasured companion, her chihuahua, Kaida, who gave her tremendous comfort constantly.

Denise was and will always be cherished by so many whose lives she touched. She was a vivacious, constant source of joy, light and support, always putting others before herself. Her favorite saying, “God has a plan.”

The funeral will be conducted on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 320 William Street, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Edward Knight O’Donnell Funeral Home, LLC, 323 William Street, Scranton. Those attending mass are asked to please proceed directly to the church on the morning of services. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton, will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be directed to TiggerTown (rescue pet adoption), 8430 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421

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