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Denise Rosselli Obituary
Denise Louise Rosselli
September 10, 1952 - September 4, 2024
NAPA VALLEY - Denise Louise Defilippis Rosselli passed away at age 71, due to complications from systemic sclerosis on September 4, 2024, in her home in Napa Valley.
Denise was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Bernadette Defililppis. She is survived by her sister, Suzan Mikolajcik and niece, Anne de Ridder; younger brother, Joe Defilippis; nephew, Joey Defilippis, and niece, Cara Defilippis.
Born and raised in Napa, Denise graduated from Justin-Siena High School in 1970. She married Chris Rosselli shortly after high school; although divorced, they reconnected later in life and remained friends until her passing. Denise went on to earn her undergraduate degree at the University of San Francisco and later, completed her masters degree in Creative Writing at her Alma Mater.
Driven by her care for animals, her early professional life included time as a Veterinary Technician in Ojai, CA and later, at Silverado Veterinary Hospital.
In 1997, she became a full-time professor in the English department at Napa Valley College where, over the course of an illustrious 20-year career, she served as the Division Chair of the Language Arts and Development Studies Division, President of the Napa Valley College Faculty Association, Coordinator for the NVC Writing Center, and earned the McPherson Distinguished Teaching Award. She had a wide reach at Napa Valley College, admired by students and faculty drawn to her intellect, humor, and infectious passion for teaching.
Napa Valley College will be hosting an event to honor Denise and her achievements, details to be announced. Denise pursued life, she did not just live it. A lover of rock n roll, she saw the Beatles live. She cheered on her horses from afar at the Kentucky Derby, and locally at Golden Gate Fields. She explored Italy with her girlfriends and hosted luxurious Oscar parties. She never stopped learning and seeking new life experiences. Over time, she added the WWE, college football, and space travel to her long list of interests. And of course, the animals, especially the hard-lived, whom she loved unceasingly and would admit she preferred to humans.
Even so, she loved her people and it felt special to be close to her. Her life-long, treasured friends can speak to this. Denise maintained her curiosity and humor, sardonic at times, through life's tragedies - losing her home in the Atlas Fire in 2017 and eventually, her sickness. Denise was unbeatably smart, strong, fun, witty, thoughtful, and hip. And will forever be remembered that way. We are all lucky to have shared time with her.
Arrangements are being made for family and chosen family. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to one of Denise's favorite causes: Old Friends, Inc.: https://oldfriendsequine.org/ Primarily Primates, Inc.: https://primarilyprimates.org/ Ironwood Pig Sanctuary: https://www.ironwoodpigs.org/ Napa Valley College Foundation: https://napavalleycollegefoundation.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Denise Rosselli
Connie Stueland
October 9, 2024
So sorry to hear of Denise's passing. I served on the Napa County Grand Jury with her. She was a wonder to work with.
Trisha Tortolani
September 30, 2024
Denise and I have been friends these past 17 years. I always looked forward for her honest and often humorous rendition of what was going on in the world. She had a way of looking at things that always made me feel better and gave me hope for humans and animals alike! I will miss having her around very much. It was an honor to be a part of her community.
Ruth Clark
September 22, 2024
Denise and I were classmates at Siena High School. She was a lovely person who you could talk to her about anything that was going on in ones life. I am so proud of all her achievements. We had many good times in High School together. RIP Denise.
Diane Van Deusen
September 22, 2024
I can't believe she's gone. We had so much fun when we were office next door neighbors. The faculty all loved and respected Denise. She was hilarious, witty, genuine, and of course super smart. I often sought her advice as I know others did. I can still hear her laugh. It totally sucks that she didn't get to spend her retirement years having the time of her life.
Jennifer C. Frost
September 21, 2024
Denise was always very encouraging and effervescent with a life well lived. Originally, we met at Silverado Veterinary Hospital. Her big smile, sparkling eyes, and gentle attitude had stayed with me despite having spoken to her only briefly over maybe a handful of times. Yet, I remembered having met her years later when we met again at Napa Valley College. She had a special way of putting you at ease and making you feel comfortable around her. She was one of those people gifted with the ability to make you feel like you could just meet her but still feel like you had been long-time friends and you could easily pull up a chair and kick back for a chat on just about anything.
John Donne's poem "For Whom the Bell Tolls" definitely comes to mind, and I can't help but feel we all are a little less with her absence.
Leonore Wilson
September 21, 2024
Denise was a beautiful, compassionate soul. She gave me confidence and faith when I was a young instructor. She is resting with the angels now. A blessing to have known her.
Maria Villagomez
September 21, 2024
Maria Villagomez
September 21, 2024
Maria Villagomez
September 21, 2024
Dear Joe and Tammy: John and I send our condolences to you and the kids. We will miss Denise so much. She was admired by her NVC family. She had a great life. She was a wonderful mentor to us. May she rest in peace. Love, Maria and John
Note: I have uploaded two pictures here. One is of us having a good time with NVC faculty colleagues. The other one was one I took of Denise when she was on her way to the HR office to deliver her retirement notifications.
Natalie Swarrz
September 20, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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