Denice Marie Maciej

Denice Marie Maciej age 80 of Duluth passed away at Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, on August 23, 2022. Denice is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Fran Maciej; brother, Ronald; and infant grandchildren, Valerie & Marie Kokkinen.

Denice was born February 24, 1942 in Hibbing Minnesota and grew up and graduated in nearby Nashwauk Minnesota. Soon after high school she raised a family in the area for over 20-years before deciding to pursue education in religion studies. She graduated from St. Scholastica in Duluth Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in religious education and eventually went on to receive her Master’s degree. She spent nearly 30-years living in Duluth working in religious education and as a chaplain at various churches and hospitals in the area. She retired in 2014 and was most recently involved as an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Duluth. She had numerous friends within the congregations and staffs at various churches including long time friend and mentor Father Noel Stretton.

In addition to connecting with her community, Denice was engaged with her immediate family often encouraging group gatherings. She loved to see her family happy and she always did what was needed to make them happy.

Denice is survived by 3 sons, Ken (Kristen) Kokkinen, Sam (Charlotte) Kokkinen, and Adam (Sherri) Kokkinen; grandchildren, Siiri (Zack) McNulty, Alex (Beau) Gilles, Jack Kokkinen; Grant & Troy Kokkinen; and Sara Mayerle and Neil (Desi) Stolp; greatgrandchildren, Astrid & Anya McNulty; brother, Terry (Carol) Maciej; the father of her children, Alyn Kokkinen; and loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Denice’s faith has now taken her to be with Jesus and she will be missed by those who knew her.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 7^th from 10:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial starting at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 715 N 57th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55807. Internment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing, MN on a later date.

A Livestream of the Mass will be lived streamed on Dougherty Funeral Home's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dfhduluth/