Denise Nagrodski
Portrait of Denise Nagrodski
Messages and Memories
Denise and I met during a very dark time in both of our lives. I spent 6 years incarcerated with Denise and found of her passing after I was released. Denise had such a big heart and would help anyone in need whenever she could. Anytime we talked we would laugh about our inside jokes throughout the years to pass our time. I will miss her so much and I’m so sad to hear of her passing. She was looking so forward to finally coming home to be with her son. RIP DENISE ️❤️
-Morgan Ivory
Just today I thought of you of how much I miss you and and all the times you helped me thru things even the good and the bad times you never judged me you just wanted me to be ok and happy isn’t that what everyone wants in life but not hugging you seeing you makes you think how short life is the next hug or kiss or even saying hello on the phone might be our last but ill always have my arms out to hug you when we meet again ..everyday I think of you not just today......but always love your brother darrin
-Darrin Stout
From Mourning Our Losses:
Denise Nagrodski passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 57. Denise was a loving mother and friend, and her presence in the community of Easton, Pennsylvania, will be missed. She was incarcerated at Edna Mahan Correctional Center in Union Township, New Jersey and valiantly fought COVID-19 in Hunterdon Medical Center, also in New Jersey.
Photograph of Denise, obtained from Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home.
“I will always cherish my memories of you and will remember all our conversations and good times,” a friend, Donna, wrote on her obituary message board. “I knew I could talk to you about anything, anytime.”
Denise remains a vivid presence in the minds of her friends and family. “My fondest memory was wedding dress shopping with you,” wrote Donna. “I also remember looking up to you when I was younger as I would see you come home from work and you were always dressed so nice and had it all together. I admired that and wanted to be like you.” Donna also reflected on the interests that she and Denise shared together, such as a love of dogs and of the cartoon character Eeyore.
Pamela Zahn, a friend, fondly recounted their time together and the constant support and joy that Denise contributed to her life: “Me and Ms. Denise spent the last few years together. She's 1 of the reasons I got up each day. Everyday when I watch wheel of fortune and/or je[o]pardy her sweet[,] silly,"game face" came on. Somehow she always tended to get more of the question[s] right and more of the things right on wheel of fortune! Even though ms denise and I met under ‘difficult’ situations we became very close. She was my ‘mom’! I couldnt ask for a better friend! Miss you so much Ms.denise.”
Other members of Denise’s community are mourning her early death and remember her as a woman who enjoyed spending time on the Pennsylvania shore with friends. “We shared important moments in each other's lives, long talks and lots of laughs,” wrote Susan Santiago, whose son was Denise’s godchild.
A family member, Dotty, remarked on how the family has been affected by the loss. “My heart breaks for my sister, nephews and niece. This family needs to heal and find comfort in each other and prayer,” Dotty wrote. “I will hold on to the close part of our life from now on.”
We join Denise’s friends and family in mourning her life, whose impact speaks for itself.
This memorial was written by MOL team member Rachel Calcott with information from an obituary on Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and a press release by the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
Original artwork by MOL team member EJ Joyner.