Denise Carol Brandou

August 8, 1960 - December 11, 2018

Denise Carol Brandou, of Grawn, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 due to complications from cancer. Born August 8, 1960, Denise married Philip Brandou on October 13, 2001. She is survived by her husband Phil, son Bryan A. Smith of Portage, parents Alice and Carl Babinec, siblings; Douglas (Sandy) Selig, Debra (David) Skuse all of Muskegon, many nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts and cousins. Denise’s father, Ray Selig preceded her in death when Denise was 4 years old. In Denise’s life there was always a card to send or an occasion to call on the calendar. She held life long bonds with Bev Hulbert and her dear friend Karen Kuck of Fremont. Her cousin Becki Coles of Muskegon had “done her hair” for many years, always willing to schedule her in. She took tremendous pride in her son Bryan and his successes. She loved to call "Ma and Carl" to tell them that she had heard from Bryan and everything was going well. They inspired each other and swapped stories and the joys of being family. A career special education teacher and aide, Denise graduated from Grand Valley State with the passion of advocating for her students. At home, she was “Grandmaw” to her three beloved rescue cats, constantly giving one or another of them attention and making sure they each had a special blanket to take their naps. An avid Detroit Tiger fan, Denise loved to sit outside with her radio and shout the score across the yard to “Phil”, keeping him well informed of the progress of the game. Her cats on towels in the grass, the radio announcing the play by play, Denise filled her brief retirement with the things she loved. Not one to miss the family reunion, Denise delighted in visiting her family, and in that fashion, a gathering of family and friends will take place after the holiday season to remember the fun we all had and the joy she brought to each of us. The gathering to remember Denise will take place on January 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Laketon Bethel Church, 1568 West Giles Muskegon. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.