Denise Slesser Melas OBITUARY

Denise Slesser Melas OBITUARY

Denise Slesser Melas, 76, of Park Ridge, IL passed away on July 17, 2026. She was born in Blue Island, IL on July 9, 1950, to James and Dorothy (nee Tremblay) Slesser.

Denise was the beloved wife of 51 years to Timothy Melas; cherished mother to Monica (Kevan) Balcerak; adoring grandmother to Jackson, Amelia, Josie, and Crosby; loving sister to James (Astrid) Slesser and Jerry (Lynn) Slesser; beloved sister-in-law to Anthony (Denise) and Cynthia Melas, Donna Slesser; dear aunt to Nicole (Jacob), Jamie (Lindsey), Mallory and Grant Slesser; great aunt and dear friend to many.

Upon graduation from Western Illinois University, Denise began her professional career as a teacher before transitioning into sales, where she enjoyed a long and successful sales career with Xerox and later Herman Miller. Through her work, she built lasting relationships and earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Denise had a lifelong passion for sports borne from her attending Bear games at her beloved father’s Jim side including the 1963 NFL Championship game. Whether participating in friendly competition across a wide variety of sports herself or cheering on her favorite hometown teams, she embraced every season with enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty. Denise was also a devoted baker that kept her family and friends in eager anticipation of the next batch heading their way. A skill that has been gleefully passed down to Monica and her children.

Quick to smile, Quick to laugh, Quick to play, Quick to toast! RIP Dede, love you forever.