Denise Rae Kovacs, age 65 passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 6, 2022. Denise was born on July 4, 1957, to her mother and best friend Helen (McConnell) Staels and her father Raymond Staels (deceased). While she lived in the Detroit area for most of her life, graduating from Chippewa Valley High School in 1975, she spent a good part of her childhood in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her happy place though, was their little piece of heaven on the river in Wallaceburg, Ontario Canada with her soulmate John and baby Ella (their family dog).
By her side as she began her journey home to Heaven was her loving and devoted husband for over 18 years, John Kovacs. Her children Stacey (Chris) Ary, Chris (Jamie) Zaccanti, and Stephanie (Chad) Gornowich. Her brother David Staels and their mom Helen (Bunny). Her stepchildren Brian Kovacs, Nikki (Scott) Ritchie, and Chris Kovacs (Crystal Lachance).
Denise’s greatest joy came from her family, especially her 15 grandchildren Paula, Darren, Jada, Kaiden, Alex, Jozlynn, Brooklyn, Dylan, Bella, Jaxon, Ryder, Gavin, Emma, Asher, and Hailey. She was always making things for them, cooking for them, and teaching them to do arts and crafts. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, and she was the one to bring the spirit of Christmas to life. She was magic.
Her loyalty and love were unconditional. She was selfless and gave everything she had to everyone she knew. Even the many people who worked with her at Hudson’s (Macys) and Sears talk about her huge heart and how she cared for her staff. She was a light in the darkness. Strong, brave, caring, creative, talented, loving, and kind.
Denise is also survived by her mothers-in-law Maria McFadden of Wallaceburg and Agnes Zaccanti of Clinton Township, her nephew Nicholas (Michelle) Staels and their children, her brother Richard Staels, as well as many aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, and friends.
Family and Friends are invited for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home (409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg, 519-627-3231) on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 12noon until the time of her service at 2pm in the Funeral Home Chapel.
Family and Friends from the United States are welcome to attend a service in Michigan which will be announced shortly.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
