Denice Lynn Collison went home to the Lord to be with her parents on January 12, 2026 after a short, but courageous, fight with lung cancer. Denice was born on September 18, 1959 to Rosemarie (Palmer) and Larry Collison in Oregon. Denice grew up in Fargo and graduated from North Fargo High School in 1978. She earned degrees in Accounting and later as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Denice proudly served her country in both the Army and later the Navy. She served an active duty tour during Desert Storm in 1991 and later went to Guatemala on a medical mission. Denice retired from the military in December of 2004 with a ranking of HM2, Hospital Corpsman, Second Class.

She was united in marriage to Wayne Carpenter on October 18, 1986. They were married for 10 years and had two children together, Dacia and Dylan, whom she loved so very much.

Denice was a nurse for over 30 years and was dedicated to her patients, showing compassion and care in every situation. Denice loved being a nurse, loved her patients, and especially loved her co-workers, many of whom became her close friends. Denice worked as a nurse at several hospitals and nursing homes, but last at Sanford for many years and then retiring from the Fargo VA after over a decade of service.

Denice had many nicknames throughout her life as Denny, Puggy, and Denice Dnurse. But her favorite nickname and title was “Nana” to her grandchildren whom she loved more than anything and were her greatest joys in life.

Denice had many friends from childhood and all the way through her career. She was positive and kind, and could also be a spitfire at times.

Denice enjoyed the simple things in life like a good meal at a new restaurant, playing the “crane game”, staying in a “suite” at a hotel, a good ghost story, making a cocktail, and most of all, just being with her family and friends. She loved traveling, road trips with her friends, and light houses. She was blessed in recent years to go on several special trips with her kids/grandkids to Medora, a Wild game, the Wisconsin Dells, Maine, and Tennessee. After retirement, she volunteered at the Cat’s Cradle animal shelter in Fargo where she found great fulfillment.

Denice was a horse woman and especially proud of her beautiful Arabian mare, Shimir. Denice was also an animal lover in general, especially to cats, many of which she rescued. If you knew Denice, you know that her late cat Mabel was her best friend and probably her favorite child.

Denice was an amazing person, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her daughter, Dacia (Cory); son, Dylan (Meranda); grandchildren, Lillian, Eli, Isabella, Elizabeth, Amanda, Addison, Alyssa; great grandchildren, and countless friends.

Denice was preceded in death by her mother, Rose; father, Larry; stepmother, Melody; and her cherished best friend, Mabel.

Denice lived a life worth living and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Cat’s Cradle in Fargo.