Denise M. Gray

November 26, 1959 - January 25, 2018

Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services

1119 Washington Avenue

MONACA, PA 15061

Monday 1/29, 2:00 pm

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

1409 Pennsylvania Avenue

MONACA, PA 15061

Tuesday 1/30, 11:30 am

Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery

2186 Brodhead Road

Hopewell Township, 15001

Tuesday 1/30

Denise M. Gray, 58, of Brighton Township, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Heritage Valley, Beaver.

Born on November 26, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Joyce (Wojkowsky) Costo. Denise was a graduate of Hopewell High School. As a young lady, she gained employment with Harold’s Inn in Hopewell Twp. where she was later promoted to assistant manager. After starting a family, Denise decided to return to school, enrolling into CCBC where she earned her LPN certification and spent the next several years employed at Beaver Elder Care in Aliquippa. Denise was considered by her family as being the ‘World’s Greatest Mom’ and for that to be her greatest vocation. Family first, but the door was always open to many friends who enjoyed Denise’s warm hospitality at her pool and the many extra plates she had set for dinner.

Denise is survived by her husband, Timothy, her children, Caitlyn C., Molly C. and James J. Gray, three brothers, John Costo of Arizona, James and Corinne Costo of New Jersey, Cory Costo of Hopewell, numerous brothers in law and sisters in law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert Costo.

Friends will be received on Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 pm in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where prayers will be offered on Tuesday at 11 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Denise’s memory may be made to the Brighton Township Volunteer Fire Department, 84 Grange Road, Beaver, PA 15009.

To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Denise M. Gray, 58, of Brighton Township, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Heritage Valley, Beaver. Born on November 26, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Joyce (Wojkowsky) Costo. Denise was a graduate of Hopewell High School. As a young lady, she gained employment with Harold’s Inn in HopewellContinue Reading

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Denisr came to visit me in 2015 and she and I talked about pictures that I wanted to hang on my wall of my parents and my grandparents.She refered to it as "The wsll of death" because they were all deceased.

Denise, we will miss you! We always had a good time when you guys came to our house, and when we went out to your house especially when we went swimming you were always a good hostess! Then, there were the Erie days, what a blast they were! I remember the time Frank and I went to see Elton John at the Civic area (how long ago) ha-ha and the next thing I knew I said to Frank there’s Apps and Denise a few rows down, he thought I was nuts, but their you guys were, so we sat together and had a fun night. You were one of kind and I will never forget you or the memories we shared. I will cherish our memories forever. You were a crazy, but great person, a good mom, friend, and I’m sure a good wife. You and Apps were two peas in a pod. I could go on and on, but I’d be writing a book. So, Denise we’ll miss you, we love you, and thanks for being such a great friend and person that you were. We love you always, RIP. –Sue, Mollie, and Frankie Matteo

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family...

My amazingly special, beautiful, and precious Godmother, I love you more than words can explain. I regret not taking advantage of all the opportunities I had to come out there and spend time with you and for that I am sorry! I want you to know that you were and always will be in my heart. You will be tremendously missed and proudly celebrated. I want you to know that I received and greatly appreciated your visit the other day. It lets me know that you truly loved me and you wanted me to know that everything is okay. I will do what I need to do to make it home to my mom and Granny Janny on time and when I get there I will make you proud. I will work hard like you did and I will make a family of my own. You were such a remarkable daughter, mother, cousin, sister, and the best Godmother anyone could ask for. I love you so very much! Hugs, more hugs, and kisses. Tell Aunt Jo I miss her and I hope she has been winning at bingo. Tell David I said ride on and I will be home to help Mom soon!! Gone Too Soon and never forgotten. With much love, your Godson Justin.

Thoughts and prayers to your family at this time

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I love you Denise. You weren't just a cousin to me you were my "SISTER". You were always there for me even when I was a little pestering kid. You were my sponsor when I made my confirmation, you were the Godmother to my son, and you were my matron of honor in my wedding.I will always treasure our morning coffee and smokes out in the back room. We had some very good talks back there. You will be in my heart forever and I will miss you the rest of my life. I love you Denise!

Denise you will be greatly missed, you were beyond generous and kind to the residents. I enjoyed working with you throughout the years. May your family find peace during this difficult time.

Love you Denise, will never forget our friendship and the tons of memories, And especially your kind heart and spirit

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.