Denise R. Jenovai

Denise R. Jenovai (nee Brown), age 59, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 after a long battle with cancer.

Denise is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Robert Jenovai; son, Ricky Melgarejo; father and stepmother, Thomas and Sandee Brown; sisters, Darcie (Robert Burkhardt) B’Leoo, Debbie (Jim) Isberg, and Dori (Mike) Tilko; nieces, Brooke (Shaun) Crump and Michelle Brown; nephews, Justin Uzzolino, Bryan (Fiancée Kelly Ruhe) Kuta, and Rylan and Grayson Tilko; step-siblings Tami (Cindy) Cambell, Dirk (Sandy Lynn) Elder, and Rodger Elder; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her mother, Patti G. B’Leoo (2001); her maternal grandmother, Blanche Clark (1977); paternal grandparents, Robert (1985) and Margaret (2010) Brown.

Denise was born in Ellenville, New York. She was a dedicated wife and mother who was known for her boisterous laugh, big smile, kind and thoughtful heart, and love for her dogs. Denise was always taking care of others whether it was a family member, a friend, or through her job as a caregiver, where she dedicated her entire adult life to helping both the young and the old. Her summers were spent in the pool and her falls were spent in camouflage because of her passion for hunting.  During winters, she enjoyed decorating for the holidays and cooking Christmas dinner for her family.  Her spring days were spent supporting her son, whose sporting events she never missed. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Joliet Area Community Hospice as well as JOHA for all their support and kindness.

A celebration of Denise’s life will begin on Thursday, January 10, 2019 with a memorial visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. then driving to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL for a committal service. Per Denise’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded.