Denise Marie Stazel-Monaghan

Denise Marie Stazel-Monaghan, age 57, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 14, 2015, in Mountlake Terrace, WA after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born to John and Yvonne Stazel on September 24, 1958 in Spokane, WA. She was raised in a large family with five siblings. The family relocated to Whidbey Island, and then to Kent, WA. Denise attended Kent-Meridian High school, where she was a talented clarinet player in the school band.After high school, Denise made her living as an entrepreneur in the food services business. She owned and operated several businesses over her lifetime, including a gelato store, coffee stand, and catering business. Denise was a gifted artist and craftsperson, always making something- beautiful mosaic s, a towering river rock fireplace, beach-themed mirrors, and various sewing projects. A wonde cook and baker, she hosted many gatherings of friends and family in her home. She had an exemplary green thumb, spending hours tending a gorgeous garden she honed over 20 years. She was known for her boisterous laugh and had a witty and sometimes raunchy sense of humor. She passed her weekends at her very own beach home on Whidbey Island, a dream she realized this past summer. Although she possessed many gifts and had many hobbies, her greatest passions in life were her friends and family. Denise tended her relationships with loving care, and could make conversation with just about anybody, making friends wherever she went. She loved to have fun and was usually the life of the party. She was an incredibly dedicated mother, tirelessly advocating for her son with autism, and spoiling her children rotten. She was thrilled to bestow this love on her first grandchild born this summer. Denise is survived by son Sean, daughter Kendall and son-in-law Ryan; beloved granddaughter Piper; her parents; sister Lisa; brothers Andrew, Timothy, Kurtis, and Brian; ex-husband Joseph; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; a lovely collection of dear friends; and her best buddy Lucy the French Bulldog. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Denises Life at Palisade Restaurant in Seattle on December 6 from 2 to 5pm. The family would like to thank the staff at Swedish Cancer Institute. Donations to honor Denises memory may be made to the Trust of Sean Monaghan c/o Joe Monaghan or the Arc of Snohomish County.