Denise McGuire

Dr. Denise McGuire, age 50, of Denver, Colorado passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015 at The University of Colorado Hospital in Denver following a diagnosis of lymphoma.

The daughter of Sam Richard McGuire and Linda (Zub) Austin and the late David Austin, Denise was born on May 7, 1964 in Dover, Ohio. Denise was a graduate of Conotton Valley High School.

Denise earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Counseling and Human Development from Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, and went on to pursue her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron.

Denise began her professional career as a counselor at Metro State College and the Eating Disorder Center of Denver, and expanded into private counseling practice with the Aspen Grove Center. Along with a successful private practice, she later worked as a psychologist with the Center for Integrative Medicine at University of Colorado Hospital and the University of Colorado Anschutz Health & Wellness Center. It was with the Wellness Center that she developed and delivered a program for the “Extreme Weight Loss: Bootcamp” television series. As a highly regarded expert in her field, Denise’s advice was sought by “Colorado Avid Golfer” magazine and through interviews with radio and television.

“Doc”, as Denise was known in the athletic field, was highly respected for her work as President and Founder of Get in the Zone, LLC. She coached golfers and other athletes, teaching professionals and parents of athletes to discover their optimal state of performance. It was through this work that Denise could share her special affinity working with junior golfers, some of whom were state champions and top-ranked in the nation. Denise coached people to focus on emotional resilience, impacting and inspiring all who came into contact with her. The philosophy taught at Get in the Zone, was lived and practiced by Denise and transcended all areas of her work and personal life.

While living in Colorado, Denise took advantage of the many outdoor opportunities available to her, spending time with friends and extended family members. Denise was also an avid traveler, having especially loved her time spent in France, and most recently in Italy in October of 2014. Denise often made trips back to Ohio in order to spend time with her family.

Denise will be deeply missed by her father and mother, as well as her sister, Jill (Adam) Lightfoot; niece & nephew, Jane & Jackson Lightfoot; aunts, Gloria Stachler and Marvie Owens; uncle, Jeff McGuire; great-aunt, Bea Pender; god-daughters, Caity & Fiona Henderson; her beloved dog, Maggie; and numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

In addition to her step-father, Denise was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Sam and Louise McGuire; maternal grandparents, William & Helen Zub; as well as an aunt, two uncles, and a great-uncle.
In keeping with Denise’s wishes, cremation has been cared for in Colorado, where a service will be held at a later date.

A service celebrating Denise’s life will be held at Faith Christian Church, 2012 Pleasant Valley Rd NE, New Philadelphia, on April 4, 2015 at 11:00am with Pastor Brian Flood officiating. Following the service, there will be a time of food and fellowship held in the church.

Memorial contributions in Denise’s memory may be directed to Colorado Golf Foundation (CJGA/Dr. Denise McGuire), 5990 Greenwood Plaza Blvd #102, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, or by visiting the Colorado Golf Association website at www.coloradogolf.org with an earmark for CJGA/Dr. Denise McGuire.