Denise Marchesani passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Monday March 30th with her loving family at her side. Her life was defined by her kindness, strength and unwavering commitment to family. She made it her greatest priority to raise and nurture her children. She will be remembered for her selflessness, her perseverance and courage, and the deep love she freely gave.

Born August 31,1950 to Margaret and Peter Smith of Mt. Kisco, NY, Denise grew up in Kisco Park surrounded by her Murphy clan of grandparents, aunts and uncles and many cousins. Alongside were neighbors including the Guidas, the Trottas and the Reynolds families who remained lifelong friends. Her Smith relatives of grandparents, aunts and uncles and many cousins, heralding from the Bronx, Westchester County, and New Jersey, surrounding her on childhood holidays and at Sound Beach Long Island.

Denise graduated from Horace Greeley High School, Roger Williams College and received her Masters from Western Connecticut State University. She was an elementary school teacher in the Mahopac School District for many years; known, admired and awarded for her outstanding artistic talent.

Denise married Michael Marchesani from Union City, NJ. on May 17th, 1975. Last year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their adult children, Brendan and partner, Jordan Ramos, and Caitlyn with her husband, Alan Chan, at their lake house in Lake DeVenoge, NY. The star guest, being their beloved grandson Michael Benjamin Chan.

Settling in Cortlandt Manor, NY in the early years of their marriage they then relocated to tight-knit communities in Pennsylvania and outside Chicago, Illinois before moving to Zurich, Switzerland. From their European home they traveled extensively. Upon return they moved close to their children and dearest lifelong friends, affectionately known as the Jersey Crowd.

Denise delighted in being surrounded by family. Some memorable family adventures include an Iceland trip, a Smith cousin reunion in the Irish Catskills and a Memorial Day Weekend reunion with her siblings, nieces and nephews, numbering over 40, on the shores of Lake Sacandoga, NY.

Denise was a lifelong artist, especially gifted in painting and interior design. A certified Hatha Yoga Instructor she enjoyed teaching and practicing for many years. Her passions, besides her family, included walking, enjoying all art activities and sampling every dessert.

As a practicing Catholic, who found solace in her faith, we invite you to join her family in a gathering at Frank Patti Funeral Home on Tuesday April 7th and to Mass at St. Matthews Church on April 8th at 11AM, to celebrate her life.

Both flowers and donations are welcome. Denise loved colorful bouquets of Spring flowers especially, tulips, irises and daffodils. Donations can be sent to support Down Syndrome at Rock 21 (www.rockthe21.org) or the great work done at The Kaplen JCC supporting dementia patients and their caregivers (https://www.jccotp.org).