Denise Marie Champagne

November 30, 1956 – January 3, 2024

Today, our hearts are broken as we all mourn the loss of our beloved sister, Denise. Her bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her warmth, love, and generosity.

Denise began a job as a co-op student in high school that turned into a career.   She was the assistant to the Director of Senior Services in Inkster and assumed the position of Director on the retirement of Marjorie Frazier.   Her 50 years of service to the city and its senior citizens touched the lives of many.  In recent years, she reflected that now she was one of her seniors herself.

She valued community service not only through her job but by volunteering for numerous programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Holiday Meals on Wheels, Gleaners Food Bank and Paint the Town.  She doted on her nieces and nephews (Cassandra, Melanie, Alex, Andrew and Allyson) and involved them in giving to others by working with her on different activities like the Western Wayne County Senior Olympics.

Friends and family were important to Denise and that included her great nieces (Sofia, Rosalie and Adelyn) who adored the white-haired lady.  She had a close group of lifelong friends from elementary and high school.  They traveled together spending many good times in Oscoda and looked forward to her annual corned beef and cabbage dinner in March.   Her family also included her dogs Thurston, Nutmeg and Ruby who were waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.

Denise had an artistic side and was always working on knitting, crochet, and cross stitch projects.  She especially enjoyed taking classes in fused glass at the Straight Museum in Garden City. Many of her friends and family were privileged to receive her projects as gifts.

As one of eight children, she was always the quirky one.   We were constantly finding jokes to share with her, from not letting her food touch on her plate and carrying chicken in her purse.

One of her friends shared with me "She had a big heart for everyone.  Those that burn the hardest don't always burn the longest."

There will be a celebration of life for Denise on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 11 am – 3 pm at the Dozier Recreation Center, 2025 Middlebelt, Inkster MI 48141.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be sent to the
Inkster Police Community Fund,
26279 Michigan Ave, Inkster, MI 48141.