Vanessa Denise Pawlak

In Loving Memory of Vanessa Denise Pawlak
October 14, 1982 – May 14, 2025 Vanessa Denise Pawlak was the kind of woman who filled up a room just by being in it. A fierce force of brilliance, beauty, and boldness, she lived her life out loud-with purpose, heart, and unstoppable drive. She passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 42, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond titles or timelines. Her light touched everyone she met.
Born in Dearborn, Michigan on October 14, 1982, Vanessa was the beloved daughter of Denise Byrwa and the late David Byrwa, and the cherished older sister to Nathan Byrwa. From the beginning, Vanessa was a vibrant presence-sharp, determined, full of life, and never afraid to follow her own path. She graduated from Novi High School in 2000, where she was both a cheerleader and a softball player, always balancing excellence with enthusiasm. She went on to earn her degree in Industrial Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2004. In a full-circle moment of recognition and grace, she was invited to return to her alma mater to address the 2025 College of Engineering Commencement-a reflection of the powerful path she had walked.
Professionally, Vanessa was exceptional. She held senior leadership roles at Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (where she was the youngest appointed Partner), Cognizant, and IBM. In 2020, Consulting Magazine named her one of the Top 25 Consultants in the world. In 2024, Vanessa received an advanced certificate in Generative AI Technology from Harvard Medical School-another example of her commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and impact. She was also a prolific thought leader, having been published more than 29 times in prominent healthcare magazines. But even with all of that, those who knew her best would say her true brilliance wasn't in the titles she held-but in the way she made people feel.
Vanessa was a world traveler, a gifted communicator, a licensed pilot, a radio DJ, and a woman with endless layers. She somehow managed to be both a powerhouse and deeply soulful, blending strategy with sincerity, and ambition with heart. She made it all look effortless, even when it wasn't.
But of all her roles, being a mother was her most sacred. Cameron and Bradley were her heartbeat. She poured her love, her lessons, and her limitless belief into them. She created memories that will stay with them forever-from helicopter rides to bedtime talks to showing them how to live fully and fearlessly.
Vanessa gave with her whole heart. She supported charities like Blessings in a Backpack, medical research, and U of M scholarship funds. She mentored, volunteered, and led with compassion. Her heart was enormous-always finding a way to include, uplift, and love others fiercely.
She is survived by her daughter, Cameron, and her son, Bradley; her mother, Denise Byrwa; her brother, Nathan Byrwa; and her godmother, Diane Plungis. She also leaves behind a large and loving circle of extended family and a cherished tribe of chosen family-close friends who stood with her through every season of life. Her beloved cats, Tater Tot and Marshmallow, were also part of her joyful, lively world.
Vanessa was unforgettable. From the way she'd enter a room with that signature "hiiiii," to the truth-telling talks, deep belly laughs, holiday traditions, and spontaneous getaways-she gave life her all. She was bold, intuitive, wise, unapologetically herself, and deeply loved. Her presence was a gift. Her absence is felt beyond words. But her spirit-her fire, her love, her legacy-will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.
We will miss her always. And we will carry her light with us, forever.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Vanessa's honor to one of the following of your choice:
1) UofM Alumni Association-Northville there is a go fund me page for her scholarship fund moving forward. https://www.gofundme.com/f/vanessa-pawlak-scholarship-for-women-in-stem?lang=en_US&ts=1747670728&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_t2-amp15_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=sms&attribution_id=sl%3Ae354cc78-e083-4dee-85c2-4c0f8300a25d&v=amp14_t2
2) UofM Medical School Giving to Vascular Surgery Fund https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/328215
3) George J. and Lucia F. Brewer Endowed Scholarship Fund - School of Genetics https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/798610
A visitation will be held from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Charles R. Step Funeral Home 18425 Beech Daly Rd, Redford, MI 48240 Service to begin at 3:30 pm. Immediately following the service will be a Celebration of Life dinner at The Hellenic Cultural Center 36375 Joy Rd, Westland, MI 48185 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Vanessa, please visit our Tree Store.