In Loving Memory of Denise Duncan-Kelly

From Kevin Tallat-Kelpsa, principal at Harlem Village Academies:

Denise Duncan, whose son D'Avant Kelly, was a 5th grader with us last year, and is now at the middle school, passed away Thusday September 7, 2022. For the past several years, Denise battled cancer. However, in the past several months, we were all thrilled when she shared that her cancer was in remission and she was declared cancer-free. But, very recently, and quite suddenly, she took a turn for the worst, was hospitalized a few days ago and passed away.

This summer she reached out to let a few of us know that she was so happy to be able to return to work. For as long as I knew her, she would proudly declare that she was the top salesperson at Macy's. Anyone who met her, would not be surprised by that fact. The Denise we knew would certainly be able to sell anything to anyone. She was a force of nature.

Denise was a force of nature at work and at home. She insisted on excellence in D'Avant's behavior and his academics. Time and time again he rose to the occasion. She raised him to be an exceptional student and the sweetest and kindest boy you will ever meet. Denise prepared him well for the road ahead. We spoke often of her hopes and dreams for him. She knew very well that she had to push D'Avant and his sister Dajani hard because life for black boys and girls is especially hard. She worked hard to lift them up because she knew that we live in a world designed to tear people of color down. Lucky for them that they stood on the shoulders of a giant.

She was giant of a mother and fighter. She fought her cancer hard and never let it get her down. She kept a brave face in the face of excruciating pain. While she was fighting cancer and struggling through chemotherapy, we pulled together as a school to collect money several times and send it her way because she had no income for quite a while. She was so grateful, and she was so hopeful and determined to get better. She fought hard to be there for her kids. She was such a determined mother.

Denise was also a good friend. I would always tell her that she had to get better because we were going to sit next to each other at D'Avant's graduation from college. She would always reply, "You know that's right." Then one of us would always say, "even if we have to take turns pushing each other's wheelchair." As older folks, knowing there was truth in jest, we laughed at how helpless we were in the hands of time. She had a wonderful laugh.

I will miss Denise's laugh when I go to D'Avant's college graduation. Whether I get there on two feet or four wheels, I will save a seat for my brave and determined friend, who passed away far too soon, but whose hopes and dreams live on in her children, Dajani and D'Avant.

Their financial hardships over the past few years have made it impossible for them to pay for her service and burial, so any donation large or small to this family would be greatly appreciated.