Ishpeming – Denise Rita Chipman, age 59 of 31 Chipman Dr., Ishpeming Twp. passed away at 9:17am on Friday October 3, 2008 at the Marquette General Hospital where she had been a patient since Wednesday.

Denise was born August 21, 1949 in Ishpeming, MI, to Bruno and the late Mary (Filizetti) Giotto. She was a graduate of the St. Paul's High School, graduating with the last class in 1967. Denise attended Northern Michigan University, receiving a degree as a licensed practical nurse, and later became a surgical technician. She worked as a nurse at the Bell Memorial Hospital in O.B. Department and later in the operating room. Denise went on to work at the Marquette Medical Clinic in the Surgery Center and also filled in as a nurse in the operating room at Marquette General Hospital. Denise had retired earlier this year.

She had been a member of the United Steelworkers of America and had served as president for the Union at Bell Memorial Hospital for over 20 years. Denise loved her children & grandchildren. She was so proud of them and us of her. Denise loved the outdoors, going for walks and bike rides where favorite activities of hers. She will also be remembered as an excellent cook. More recently Denise enjoyed the Majan Club, which is a Chinese tile game.

Survivors include her husband Roger, whom she married October 5, 1968, her father Bruno Giotto of Negaunee, 2 children: Dulcey (Joseph) Mashburn of Ishpeming and James (special friend - Dawn) Chipman of Ely Twp.; a sister Diane (Dave) Junak of Ishpeming, a brother Louis (Marci) Giotto of Negaunee, 7 grandchildren: Josie, Halle, Ellie and Cecilia Mashburn, Libby, Noah and Anna Chipman, along with aunts and uncles – Charlie & Pricilla Giotto, Joseph & Irene Giotto, and Leo Filizetti along with several other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Denise was preceded in death by her mother Mary Giotto.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 5:00pm Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Negaunee with Fr. John Shiverski to officiate.

Family & friends may call at St. Paul's Catholic Church on Wednesday from 3:00pm until the time of service at 5:00pm.

A luncheon will be held following the service at the St. Paul's School gym.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Tews, Dave Grigg, Glen Bath, Stephen Chipman, Michael Chipman, Dave Junak Sr., Dave Junak Jr., Nick Goraczkowski Kirk Giotto, Ryan Giotto & Joseph Junak.

Denise's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance.

Dearest Mom- We know how much you enjoyed life and all it had to offer. You will be terribly missed by us all. Sometimes things are so hard to explain, so unfair. Mom we will remember you always, love you for always and not fear dying because we will know that you will be there to welcome us in your loving arms, like you did before. We love you Mom, -- Your Children.