Denise S. Drzal

Beloved Daughter, Sister, Friend, Godmother, and Child of God

Denise "DeeDee" Susan Drzal, age 65, of Trumbull, Connecticut, went to be with the Lord on December 15, 2023. She passed away at home, which was her place of refuge that brought her great peace.

Denise was born into this world on July 11, 1958, and grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She was the daughter of Francis and Susan (Beresky) Drzal. Denise was the answered prayer to her parents' hope for a child. She was later joined by her two younger brothers, Frank and David Drzal.

She graduated from Cathedral Girls Catholic School (known today as Kolbe Cathedral High School), in Bridgeport, Class of 1976. It was the last graduating class of all girls. Denise absolutely loved her Catholic school education and was grateful for the many fond memories and friends she made there. It was where she continued to build her strong foundation of faith.

Denise loved God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mother Mary, saints, and angels. She was so devout in her worship that she prayed the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet daily. Denise enjoyed the sermons of Dr. Charles Stanley and Joel Osteen, the latter of which she saw with family at Yankee Stadium for his Night of Hope.

She was an earth angel who freely gave her love, advice, and spiritual guidance to everyone she met. She was so often the voice of reason for those struggling. Denise included all her family and friends in her prayers and prayed for those she didnot know. She had a generous nature even when she had little.

When Denise was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), her deep trust in the Lord led her to proclaim that going forward MS would stand for "My Savior," because He was what filled her body and soul as she continued treatments for the illness.

In addition to her faith, Denise was known for her strong sense of humor and keen wit that brought so much laughter to all. She was charismatic, made friends easily wherever she went, and always had a funny quip to make someone smile – or laugh until they cried.

People were not the only ones to be bettered by her presence. Her compassion and kindness for all living creatures led her to save countless animals' lives throughout her life. She was a fearless animal rescuer and gentle animal whisperer. She commonly said that if it was alive, she noticed it.

On one occasion, she saw a deceased opossum in the road and was compelled, by the grace of God, to check its pouch – inside were orphaned babies that she saved and brought to Wildlife in Crisis. Not only that, but she once picked up a seven-foot python in the middle of the road in Bridgeport, and because of her bravery the snake was reunited with its owner. Then there was the time she heard about a raccoon stuck in a storm drain on a busy road and – without hesitation – laid on the ground, reached into the drain, grabbed the raccoon by the scruff of its neck, and saved it. Many times, she risked injury to herself to save an animal. All life – big or small, furry or scaley, domestic or wild – mattered to her.

Denise was also a very talented writer and creative mind. She worked on numerous projects for local TV, theater, and music videos. She directed short comedy skits during the 1990's; wrote, produced, and directed "The Spirit of Youth Follies" at Kolbe Cathedral High School; produced and directed the Hungarian Policewomen movies for her family; and directed the mystery movie, "Plot Point," which remained in the works till her passing.

Most notably, Denise produced and directed "Room With A View," a popular altruistic talk show, which focused on four themes: children, the elderly, animals, and the environment. She was also a marvelous editor; her detail-oriented work and eye for perfection earned her an Emmy award. Always humble, she gave glory to God for everything in her life.

For many years, she worked as a Master Control Producer for Cablevision in Bridgeport.

Denise was passionate about music, especially the work of Martha Davis and The Motels. She would travel the country just to hear her favorite artist, because it brought her such immense joy. Denise was a founding member of the popular local music groups Shu Nu Nu and Blue Moon.

She is survived by her mother, Susan; brothers, Frank and David; her nephews and niece: Michael, Daniel, Kathryn, Frank, and Matthew; and her "Spiritual Mom" Janet Landone. She also leaves behind many cousins, friends, and Goddaughter, all of whom miss her dearly and were blessed to know her.

Denise was predeceased by her father Francis, Godmother Alice, aunts, uncles, and her many rescued pets, including cats Pepe, White Boy, Bella, and AJ. There are many loved ones looking forward to being reunited with her in Heaven.

Friends may call at the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, 4 Gorham Place, Trumbull, Connecticut, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on January 4, 2024.

Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 163 Ortega Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, at 10:00 am, on January 5, 2024. A reception will follow.

Interment will take place at Mountain Grove Cemetery, 215 Dewey Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Denise S. Drzal Memorial Scholarship Fund at Kolbe Cathedral High School by visiting https://kolbecaths.org/donate/. Through this scholarship, and the love of those who knew Denise, her legacy of faith, compassion, and kindness for all will live on.

To honor Denise's wishes, go forth putting God first, pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, be kind to all living beings, and love yourself.

Denise S. Drzal Memorial Scholarship Fund at Kolbe Cathedral High School
33 Calhoun Place, Bridgeport CT 06604
Web: http://www.kolbecaths.org/make a donation