Denise "Didi" Marie Arnold

Denise Marie "Didi" Arnold, age 61, of Kennewick, Washington, and formerly of La Grande, peacefully lost her battle with breast cancer May 17, 2013 at her home with her loving family surrounding her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Didi was born on July 12, 1951, the daughter of Edmond and Rosalie (Caron) Gagnon in Lewiston, Maine. At the age of 23, she moved to Santa Barbara, California where she worked as a waitress and eventually met her future husband, Johnny. They were married June 30, 1979 in Santa Barbara. In 1980, they moved to Elgin where their two sons, Jesse and Simon, were born. In 1986, the family moved to Didi's home town of Lewiston, Maine before returning to La Grande, Oregon in 1995. She worked as a waitress at Ten Depot Street restaurant for 13 years, where she was affectionately known as "Flo". In 2008, she left her position at Ten Depot and moved to Portland 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 four and a half years when the cancer returned and was found in September of 2012. They moved to Hermiston 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. She sold many of her wares at the La Grande Farmer's Market. When she wasn't watching her favorite ABC soap operas snuggled up with her kitties, you could find her out in her beloved vegetable and flower gardens.

Survivors include her husband, Johnny Arnold of Kennewick, Washington; sons, Jesse Arnold of West Linn, Oregon and Simon Arnold of Hillsboro, Oregon; sister, Marge Carter of Poland, Maine; niece, Kathie Samson-Cortes of Lewiston, Maine; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

.