Denise Renae (née Tricker) Meschewski, of Crystal Lake, IL, was born July 5, 1955 in Warren, OH to her loving parents, Eugene and June (née Mackey) Tricker.  She passed away on January 14, 2026, at the age of 70, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, with her loving husband and daughter by her side. The world got a little darker that day.

Denise was truly the kindest, calmest, most loving and selfless soul ever. She was married to the love of her life, Robert, and blessed with three beautiful children, Sarah, Jacob, and Marc. Denise loved being a mother and dedicated her life to her children, especially her two sons that both were born with a rare genetic disorder called CHIME syndrome. She lived her life caring for her family with love, grace, pride, and compassion, never once complaining about life's challenges.

In 2001, when her oldest son graduated from high school, Denise realized there was a lack of services for young adults with disabilities. She, along with three other amazing mothers, started a day program called the McHenry County Adult Program (McCAP). Their hard work grew it into a 501c3 organization that supports adults with disabilities to this day. This will be one of her huge legacies.

Denise loved nature and the outdoors, especially camping, beach vacations, and her time living in Northern California with her family. She loved music, attending concerts, and was known to often wear her favorite band t-shirts, tie-dye, or "Life is Good" shirts that confirmed her positive and optimistic outlook on life. She adored and doted on her Golden Retrievers. One of Denise's happiest moments was becoming a grandmother and she cherished her two grandchildren, Eli and Claire. Her family was her pride and joy and she fiercely loved her grandkids, children, and husband. Denise's fun demeanor and caring personality made everyone who met her adore her.

Thank you to all the wonderful people at ENCORE Memory Care and JourneyCare Hospice who helped with Denise's care the last 6 months.

Denise is survived by her heartbroken husband of nearly 50 years, Robert Meschewski; daughter, Sarah Emily Gulgren; son, Jacob Meschewski; grandchildren, Elijah and Claire Gulgren; sister, Deanette (Bill) Parks; brother, Greg (Margaret) Tricker; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and June Tricker; and her wonderful son, Marc Meschewski.

Arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home in Cary. A private burial will be held at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at the Dundee Township Senior Center, 665 Barrington Road, Carpenterville, IL 60110 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation or to the organization dear to her heart, The McHenry County Adult Program, P.O. Box 1823, Woodstock, IL 60098.

Be free and we will cherish the love you gave us forever.