Denise Rae Cryderman-Williams, 60, passed away December 21, 2016. Based on a cumulative series of seemingly unrelated but relentless medical issues beginning in 2011, Denise was finally diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy on February 29, 2016 (Leap Day). She continued the fight to remain strong, both physically and emotionally, but with no cure and limited palliative options, Denise succumbed to the “storm raging in my body” less than 10 months after receiving the clinical diagnosis. Known by all as a compassionate and giving person, her immediate family did not hesitate in the decision to donate her brain to the Brain Research Network for the research that might eventually help others so afflicted. It also provided the definitive diagnosis of this debilitating neurodegenerative orphan disease. According to the report from Mayo Clinic’s Neuropathology Laboratory in Florida, Denise was afflicted with not one, but both types of MSA (MSA-C and MSA-P).
Denise was born on January 2, 1956 at St. John Hospital in Detroit but, due to her father’s occupation at the time, spent most of her pre-school years in northern Ohio–both Toledo and Fremont. The move back to Michigan in 1961 allowed Denise to attend the Fraser public schools from grades K-12 with graduation from Fraser High School in 1974. Part-time enrollment at Macomb Community College from 1974-1978 focused on business management and fashion merchandising. In 1985 Denise resumed her studies at MCC and earned her Associate in Arts degree in 1987.
A fast worker with a strong work ethic, Denise was never unemployed after her entry into the work force at age seventeen while still in school. She initially worked as a well-paid cashier for the former Farmer Jack Supermarket chain, both before and after graduation from high school. A brief stint at a high-end women’s clothing shop and many years as a full-time Mary Kay cosmetics consultant were a “good fit” but eventually gave way to management positions at JoAnn Fabric & Craft stores. Given Denise’s creative sewing talents, strong work ethic and gifted management skills, she did well in the stressful world of retail sales. However, she often voiced her need for “me time” alone at home working on treasured sewing and craft projects to recharge for the next day.
In addition, Denise’s genuine compassionate and giving nature toward others found another outlet as a dedicated part-time Weight Watchers instructor and modest role model for those, like herself, who always had a few pounds they wanted to shed. In that role, she became an expert on food and nutrition and healthy eating habits. Denise loved her flock and they loved her! Given the approximately 20-year relationship, it was hard for her to leave her Weight Watchers family when worsening medical issues made it difficult, then impossible, to orchestrate her weekly Saturday morning WW class.
Her physical decline was doubly difficult as Denise had been physically active for most of her life in fitness facilities, competitive running events and short- and long-distance bicycling activities with family, friends and like-minded others. She was survived by husband Billy Williams; parents Sandra Studebaker and Raymond Cryderman; daughter Diane; step-children: Amber and Dale; granddaughters: Dakota, Lexi and Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her brother Curtis Cryderman (1963-2004) and by Robert Kosen (1949-2012), her previous husband of almost 20 years.
The Denise Rae Cryderman-Williams Fund (gold) was established by her mother Sandra Studebaker, in loving memory of her daughter, Denise.
