Denise Kowalski

Denise Kowalski, Age 72, of Parma, Michigan passed away on June 20, 2025.

She was born on June 19, 1953 to Julius and Alfreda (Deren) Kowalski. 

The family owned a working dairy farm in Parma.  Denise always described it as holding the most fond and cherished memories for her throughout her life.  She especially loved the baby calves, ducks, and goats she cared for.  She fed many different birds, especially enjoying the hummingbirds.  Her gardening skills were excellent.  She had beautiful geraniums, roses, and huge, gorgeous rhododendron bushes.  A constant delight was seeing the bald eagles that frequented her fields! Other hobbies she loved were bowling, shopping with friends, and traveling.  Many summer hours were spent at Lake Michigan, especially around South Haven.  She also enjoyed visiting Mackinac Island.

Denise graduated from Western High School in Parma.  She became a library clerk there immediately upon graduating.  She worked in the Middle School and Parma Elementary libraries for an astonishing, very noteworthy, 45 years of service. Denise had a talent for decorating those libraries throughout the year and especially at holiday times.  Everyone was in awe of the beautiful, creative, scenes.  Materials were often provided by her.  The students loved her and her warm personality.  She had an infectious sense of humor and would listen patiently to all of their little concerns and stories with the kindest heart and encouragement.

The Western Schools staff and children were most important to her through all of her years with them.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Alfreda Kowalski, her brother, Edwin Kowalski, and sister Delores Loveland.  She is survived by her two most caring friends, Richard and Eleonor Martin.

This gentlest of women left us all too soon.  She will be so missed by her friends and co-workers who had the greatest pleasure of knowing and sharing times with her.  Denise will live on in their memories and in every child’s memory who knew and cherished her. 

There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Denise’s life on July 17, 2025 at Watson Funeral Chapel - 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, Michigan with her service beginning at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers please honor Denise’s memory by donating to Future Farmers of America – 6060 FFA Drive, PO Box 68960, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 or Western School District – Attention: Elementary Library Donations – 1400 South Dearing Road – Parma, Michigan 49269

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