Obituary of Denise Louise Kessler

Denise Louise Kessler, 59, of Herndon, VA, passed away on July 25, 2017 in her home after an extended illness. She was surrounded by and in the care of her loving family.

Born on December 12, 1957 in Altoona, PA, Denise is the daughter of the late Helen Marie Schlecht and the late Albert Joseph Schlecht, Sr.

Denise was a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1979. She fell in love and married her high school friend, Kurt Joseph Kessler, also of Altoona, PA on May 3, 1980. Together they have three children, son Justin Kessler (and wife Hannah Kessler), daughter Meagan Bahamonde (and husband Daniel Bahamonde), and daughter Alyssa Kessler (and fiancé John Rafique). Denise also was a proud nana to grandson Felix Bahamonde, with one more on the way, the soon-to-be Hollis Rafique.

Denise worked as a nurse in both the operating room and obstetrics and gynecology for six years until she held her most important role as a stay at home mother. She went back to work in the field of education as a kindergarten, Instructional Assistant in the Fairfax County Public School system for over 10 years before retirement. She was well loved by her students, their families, and the entire school community.

She loved vacationing at the beach with her family, going on lunch dates with her daughters and friends, listening to good music with her son, curling up with a good book and her two shih tzus, and spending time with her husband at the end of every day. She had a particular love for shopping. Most recently she preferred to spend her days with her favorite “hobby”, her grandson.

Denise is survived by her adoring husband, children, grandson, brothers Albert J. Schlecht Jr. of Altoona, PA and Ronald Eugene Schlecht, Sr. of Hollidaysburg, PA, nephews and nieces.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA. A viewing and visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 31 from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 1 at Floris United Methodist Church (UMC) in Herndon, VA at 11am.