Denise Dugal-Wulfman
At the end of an eleven month battle with cancer, Denise Dugal- Wulfman died at her home in Woodinville, Washington Sunday morning August 25th. Denise was born January 3, 1968 in Fort Kent, Maine to Dennis and Geraldine Dugal. As a girl in Maine, Denise was dear to her grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. No matter how far away she lived, she cherished their love throughout adulthood. Growing up, westward, Denise divided the backseat of the family station wagon fairly with her older brother Dana as they moved and attended schools from Bangor to Duluth, Denver, and Missoula.
Along the way Denise discovered music. As a musician Denise used first the clarinet and ultimately a career in Music Therapy to augment the world around her. Her life as a musician was profoundly enriched while studying at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California when she met her husband of 25 years, Edward (Ted) Wulfman. They were married in Bozeman, Montana on August 6, 1988. She and Ted then lived and worked in the Bay area for the next four years. Upon graduating from the Conservatory of Music in 1990 Denise, a board certified music therapist, worked at the Parkland Convalescent Hospital and Morton Bakar Center with geropsychiatric rehabilitation programs and began teaching weekly music lessons to one to three year olds.
In 1992 Denise and Ted moved north to Washington State where she continued her work as a geriatric case manager at Eastside Mental Health in Bellevue. She continued her rehabilitative work for the next four years at which point she started DDW’s Music Therapy Services in Woodinville. Denise created one to one music therapy sessions for children from one to eight years and weekly Kindermusik for the youngest ages. She co-founded Market Street Music in 1998. She continued developing programs for early childhood music at Bellevue College as a Parent/Infant Lab Music Specialist, owning/operating her own businesses and consulting until starting work on a master’s degree in 2012.
For as much honor Denise gained as an award winning teacher and therapist nothing in her professional life rivaled the joy she shared with her children, first Alison, born in 1993 and Zachary, in 1997. Pumpkin carving took precedence over personal computers, family 
vacations over summer camp, Raffi over Rachmaninoff. Into their hearts she pumped the compassion and caring that allowed her to take in stray animals, champion people with disabilities, and sing instead of whispering. In them thrives all the spirit, “bright and fierce” that Denise could impart.
vacations over summer camp, Raffi over Rachmaninoff. Into their hearts she pumped the compassion and caring that allowed her to take in stray animals, champion people with disabilities, and sing instead of whispering. In them thrives all the spirit, “bright and fierce” that Denise could impart.
Denise is preceded in death by her grandparents Robert and Eleanor O’Halloran and Roland and Kathleen Dugal. She is survived by her husband Edward Wulfman, children Alison Wulfman and Zachary Wulfman, parents Dennis and Geraldine Dugal, brother, Dana Dugal, and sister-in-law Jill Holder.
A celebration of Denise’s life will be held starting 3 pm Saturday, September 21 at the Woodinville Alliance Church.
In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to the Get Your Rear in Gear Colon Cancer Coalition, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, or Homeward Pet Adoption Center.
17 Responses to “Denise Dugal-Wulfman”
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What a beautiful life. Thank you for making mine brighter.
Love to you and your family.
such a great woman so glad she was my dear cousin
Denise always knew how to make us smile:)
We were lucky to know her and I am amazed at how many lives she touched.
33ntanton
Denise is known as Cricket in the world of Girl Scouts. She spent several years at Woodinville Girl Scout Day Camp, teaching hundreds of girls (and some boys!) all of the traditional and newer Girl Scout songs. I can see her with her guitar and her huge infectious smile, standing in front of all of the campers and staff at the daily flag ceremony and singing, singing, singing. Cricket made many contributions to Girl Scouts. She will live on in the musical hearts of all that she touched. Thank you, Cricket!
Hello Family and Loved ones of Denise- I know this wonderful woman through the Western Region of the American Music Therapy Association where she was a terrific volunteer. She was constantly smiling, with her big twinkly eyes and infectious sense of humor that helped me through many a board meeting. She so loved her kids and family, and shared pictures of them with me and was always welcoming and open to everyone she met. I will treasure her friendship forever. With Love, Robin, Arizona.
Our family is so blessed to have known Denise and ultimately the whole Wulfman family. Denise not only taught Abbe and Gabe music for many years she became a very special friend to me. She had such a caring, and fun way about her (always a little twinkle in her eye) and our lives are better for knowing her. I know that every time my kids play music we will think of her and that is a beautiful thing! God Bless!
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.
Denise brought a special ray of light to our corner of the country and to our music therapy community. She was a hard worker, always down to earth, and knew just what to say to bring renewed life to a long music therapy meeting. She was a beautiful spirit and a true gift to this world! Love, Barbara Dunn
We’ve known the Dugals for many years, as Joe and Dennis worked together in Maine, when Denise was 2 yrs. old. Also in Montana when she was a High School student, and also, Joe went to her wedding in Bozeman. We would see them off and on for about 20 years, as we all pass and part many times in our life on Earth, but had kept in touch. It is no surprise that Denise turned out to be a person we can all brag about. If you knew her parents, it’s no accident what amazing people Denise and Dana have become. In the picture with the children, Denise looks exactly the way we remember Gerry. Our hearts break for Ted, the children and you dear friends.
Prayers from our family, and from Alison’s soccer “family,” the Woodinville Angels. We are so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute. I wish I could have met Denise; she sounds like a lovely person, and a joy to have around. My heart aches for your entire family. I hope that the time swiftly comes when the happy memories outweigh the grief. The thoughts and prayers of all of us down here at Quaterra are with you all.
On behalf of hundreds of music therapists throughout the Western Region American Music Therapy Association, we send Denise’s family, friends and colleagues peaceful harmonies that echo the beautiful life Denise shared with us, her clients and their caregivers. The rhythm of her love and music will beat eternally within each of us.
Judith Pinkerton, President, WRAMTA
and WRAMTA Executive Board
On August 25, God took back his gift to us, Denise. In return he left us with memories of this beautiful, loving person. We first met the Dugals in the late 70s and were immediately drawn to this incredible family. Parents and two children, who are a role model of what a family should be. Memories of camping trips, holiday dinners, huckleberry picking, and ski trip to Fairmont Hot Springs will be long remembered. But best memories are the little league games where “little Denise” with the gorgeous eyes was rooting for her big bro, “Danner.” Thank you for the memories, Denise. Our family will cherish them.
We met Denise through the BCC Infant and Wobbler class. Every time she picked up her guitar and sang, my daughter was absolutely mesmerized. I will always remember how her music brought my daughter such joy. What an amazing gift to bring the joy of music to these little and impressionable people. She was such a great woman. My thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
My love to Denise’s family. Her Mom Gerri, and I are first cousins. Our Moms, Eleanor and Mary, were 2 of the most beautiful, loving, caring people in this world. I am proud to be part of this family. Denise was a very kind and loving soul and this old world will miss her terribly. May the wonderful memories carry you through the painful days ahead.
My heartfelt condolences to all of you, i just heard this very sad news and am saddened for your loss. Denise was a wonderful person, her legacy will live on in both Alison and Zach. As time passes, may all your memories turn your tears of sorrow into tears from laughter as you remember your mom.
Sincerely,
Kris Murillo
We are very sad to learn of your death. You were a very sweet and gentle girl, full of a natural joy. I know your spirit lives on, always bringing joy to us left behind.