Denise Marie McIvor

Denise Marie McIvor, 77, of Glen Mills, PA, quietly passed away July 27, 2026, after a brief illness.

Denise was born on October 22, 1948 to Henri Peter and Dorothy Mauer at the Jewish (Einstein) Hospital in Philadelphia. She was adopted by her great-aunt and -uncle, Charles and Elma (nee Reber) Muller.

Denise graduated from Olney High School in 1966 and continued her studies at Philadelphia General Hospital’s Training School for Nurses. She accepted a position as a nurse at Philadelphia General Hospital (PGH) upon graduation. She worked nights as a nurse in the Police and Fireman’s ward, where one night she met a patient named Robert McIvor. They spent the following nights talking and reading books that Bob brought about large animals. Upon PGH's closure, Denise started working on the maternity floor at Metropolitan Hospital. For the final twenty-three years of her career, Denise worked at Pennsylvania Hospital on the Psychiatric floor.

In December 1972, Denise married Robert McIvor. They went on to have two children, Brent and Greg. They raised their boys in Southwest Philadelphia, then moved to Boothwyn, where they lived until they “retired” to Maris Grove.

Denise was passionate about her community. She was involved in many clubs and organizations, including Nurses Club, Irish Club, Chorus, and Women’s Club, and she prepared the altar and flowers for the Lutheran services in the chapel. She was an advocate for living at Maris Grove and served as an ambassador for the community, helping prospective and new residents. Denise regularly participated in raising funds for residents in need of monetary support for living expenses.

Denise loved animals. In addition to caring for numerous family pets throughout her life, after moving to Maris Grove she volunteered at Faithful Friends Animal Society, and regularly donated to the SPCA.

She thoroughly loved to travel, and instilled that passion into both of her children. She particularly enjoyed cruises and visited virtually every island in the Caribbean, as well as various countries throughout Europe. As an avid reader, one of her great pleasures in life was spending an afternoon with a book on the beach in Cape May.

Denise maintained close friendships with people from every era of her life, from elementary school to nursing school, throughout her nursing career, and including the many friends in her community at Maris Grove.

Most of all, Denise loved her family. She looked forward to regular brunches with her sisters and extended family, and hosted 4th of July, Easter, and Thanksgiving dinner for many years. Her children were her pride and joy, and she absolutely cherished her role as Grammy.

Denise was the beloved wife of Robert S. McIvor; loving mother of Brent McIvor (Katherine) and Greg McIvor (Courtney); adoring grandmother of Calvin, Benjamin, and Seamus, with one more on the way; and dear sister of Carole Gorman (the late Bob). She was predeceased by her sister, Sue.

Denise was a kind, thoughtful, funny, intelligent, and loving woman who will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Services will be held at The Chapel at Maris Grove, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342, on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:00am. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society and the Resident Care Fund at Maris Grove. Both of these organizations were dear to her heart and align with her love of animals and her commitment to improving humanity.

Faithful Friends Animal Society, Checks accepted by mail and credit cards online or by phone: 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720, 302-427-8514 ext. 110, www.faithfulfriends.us/donate or Maris Grove Resident Care Fund, Checks can be mailed to Office of Philanthropy, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342, Please make checks to Maris Grove Resident Care and in the memo line note: Denise McIvor.