Denise Ann “Queenie” Pyda, 71, of Annville, a beloved wife, beautiful mother, and amazing grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She was the wife of Joseph Edward Pyda Jr., with whom she celebrated an incredible 43 years of marriage.
Denise was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 1953, to the late Avery and Florence (Crise) Thompson. She was a Management Analyst at the Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg for a dedicated 33 years before retiring to watch her grandchildren. Prior to battling her complex health issues that hindered her, “Queenie” enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, going to different casinos with Joe, visiting many lighthouses, shopping with Erin, spending quality time with all of her grandchildren, and absolutely adoring her yorkie, Prada.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are a daughter, Erin Hugendubler (Matthew), of Jonestown; grandchildren, Bensen, Deklan, and Willow Grace; and siblings, Brian Thompson, of Greensburg, Bruce Thompson, of Belle Vernon, and Carolyn Thompson, of Greensburg.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Karen Van Tassel.
Services were held in private with immediate family. Family is looking to have a celebration of life at a future date as she will be missed dearly by friends and family.
