Denise Dross passed away on 11/16/25 in her Richfield, MN home at the age of 68. Born 12/21/56 in Chicago, IL, she was the loving daughter of Joseph Vincent Spicola and Rosemarie Spicola (Brodie).

Denise was a member of the National Honor Society while attending William Fremd High School in Palatine, IL. She was outgoing and enjoyed many extracurricular activities such as the pompom squad and drama club and took part in the H.S. production of the Wizard of Oz as a Munchkin Tough.

Her professional career started with County Seat (1974-1987), working her way up the corporate ladder from Sales/Customer Service to Vice President. After County Seat closed, Denise focused in on the Human Resources (HR) field. She studied hard and successfully obtained her certification as a “Senior Professional in Human Resources” (SPHR) having met the high standards of education, experience and demonstrated knowledge in the field. What followed was a successful career as an independent HR Consultant, assisting clients across the country with recruitment; performance management; employee handbooks; training and development; benefits; compensation; HRIS, and all HR related functions. She received the honor of being listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest in 1992/1993.

Denise was an extrovert and spoke her mind with honesty and candor. She was a powerful, and excellent, public speaker, e.g., Sexual Harassment Training/Presentations, which kept her audiences engaged!

During her down time, Denise enjoyed cooking. She was an accomplished gourmet chef and liked to entertain. She also loved cats, and had one by her side throughout her life. Her cats were her children. Fond memories of Burt, Ernie, Eddie, Elliott and her beloved, Cowboy, who passed away a month before she died.

Denise is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Spicola, grandparents, Mary & Arthur Brodie, Anna Spicola & Sam Pisciotto. She is survived by her sister, Deborah (Spicola) Fritzler of Prescott, AZ married to Karl Fritzler and her mother, Rosemarie (Brodie) Spicola of Deer Park, IL.

Her body was cremated at the Cremation Society of Minnesota. In memory of Denise, make a donation to your favorite Pet Rescue Shelter, or charity of your choice. R.I.P. Denise and Cowboy (cat).