Denise Emma Marszalek Simpson Rich , October 21, 1967 — July 13, 2018

Denise Emma Ursula Simpson‑Rich, 51, went home to be with the Lord, July 13, 2018 in Franklin, North Carolina. She was born on October 21, 1967 to Fredrick Joseph Marszalek and Marianne Catherine Marszalek, in Frankfurt Germany. She was a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, who after birth moved to the United States at 3 years of age, during the height of the Vietnam War.

Denise attended primary school at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rockaway, New Jersey, and graduated from Lenape High School in Medford, New Jersey. She spent her young adult years studying at the University of Arizona, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia in 1986, where she attended Georgia State University and eventually attended Cosmetology School, becoming a professional hair stylist. She is famed for creating the birthday song while working as a server and trainer for Long Horns Steakhouse in Georgia.

She assisted with food management at DeVry University in Decatur GA with the Marszalek family business, AJA Services, and later assisted with Senior Caregiving after moving to North Carolina. She served as a PTA volunteer and room mom at St. Gabriel Catholic Church and contributed her time to helping at Sarah Harp Elementary School. Denise loved the music of Sarah McLachlan and she loved to travel.

She traveled to Europe while in High school, where she visited the Vatican, famously taking a picture with Pope John Paul II. She was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles football team and enjoyed watching sports. Denise was a beloved sister to 4 siblings and was surrounded by a very loving family.

Her father Fredrick Joseph Marszalek, of Hoschton, GA, precedes her in death. She is survived by her mother Marianne Katherine Marszalek, of Buford, GA, daughter Alexandra Denise Simpson, of Woodstock, GA, son Joseph “Joey” Simpson, of Franklin, NC, sister Nicole Monique Smith (Khalif Akil Smith), of Las Vegas, NV, brother Fredrick Joseph Marszalek (Alisha Megan Marszalek), of Buford, GA, brother Edward Joseph Marszalek, of Flowery Branch, GA, brother Eric Joseph Marszalek, of Flowery Branch, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services of death and resurrection with be held at Dacula United Methodist Church 2655 Fence Rd NE, Dacula, GA 30019 on July 20, 2018 at 12:00pm.

Online condolences are available at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com. Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Simpson‑Rich family.

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