Denise Marie Rapisarda

Rapisarda, Denise Marie
53, of Mesa, AZ passed away at her home on May 12, 2011 with her sister and cousins by her side. She never looked more beautiful. Denise was born in Columbus Hospital in Chicago, IL on Sept. 25, 1957 to Samuel Rapisarda and Margaret Zwengel Rapisarda. The third of three children, Denise was a timid, cuddly, sweet child and grew into a gentle, loving, sweet-spirited woman. She attended St. Lambert grade school where she met her lifelong friend, Martina Fuessel. Her parents moved to AZ in 1970 and Denise attended Gerard HS where she met her other good friends Teri Parra, Mary McCarthy, Peggi Briehl and Janice Kohl. Denise went on to earn an associate degree and became and excellent legal secretary. She began her career with attorney Pat Cheche and spent most of her career at the law firm Osborn Maledon. She loved dogs, chocolate-covered cherries, and her stuffed bear collection that grew in size with every birthday, Valentine's Day, and Christmas. Special moments were spent caring for niece, Deanna, while Deidre completed her college degree. Denise was stricken with the progressive type of Multiple Sclerosis in 1991 and was able to work until she retired in Jan 2000. She is survived by her sisters, Deidre Rapisarda (David Lee) of Sherwood, OR, Debra Rapisarda of Mesa, AZ; niece Deanna Bartik and fiancé Jesse Leinweber of Newburg, OR; first cousins Frank Mirgeler Jr. (Jeanne) of Phoenix, Barbara Zwengel Triska (Richard) of Lebanon, OR, Virginia Mirgeler Speciale of Glendale, AZ; second cousins Nicholas, Teresa, Barbara and Siobhan Triska; Kevin, Scott, and Whitney Mirgeler; Michael and Jennifer Speciale; and the next generation of children, Ethan, Lilianna, Johann, Snowden, Faith, Rand, Barbara, Silas and Ava. Denise is preceded in death by her parents and cousins Jim, Susan and Joe. Mass is at 1:30 pm on Sat., May 21, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 3450 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ 85226 (101 North/Ray Rd exit), with a gathering to follow at Debra's home after mass into the late evening. Donations can be made to Debra for Denise's last expenses and/or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, AZ Chapter, with the designation "for research only." Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary