Denise Robyn Trevino

TREVINO, DENISE ROBYN, age 60 of Waterford, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023. She was born on September 25, 1962 in Pontiac to parents J. L. and Sally (Brockman) Bigelow.  

Denise died from metastatic breast cancer after battling cancer three times prior. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family. Her courage and strength never faltered nor did she speak a single complaint about the extremely difficult situation she was in. When people talk about Denise, the word “tough” comes up more often than not.

Denise’s work ethic was something to behold. She loved working on projects no matter the size, her speciality being DIY home improvements. She was involved in so many different projects that she, Jamie, Bryan, and Bradford had a chat named, “The Renovators”. If someone in the family was remodeling, you would find Denise nearby, tools in hand with a smile on her face. She was quick to help even as her health diminished. Her work ethic is a common thread throughout the Bigelow family. Just like her father reminiscing about selling cars in his final days, Denise continued to help folks with their mortgages. She took phone calls and responded to emails in the weeks leading up to her death.

Although Denise thrived on hard work, she also enjoyed getting away. She was raised going up north to her family’s cabin near West Branch. Denise lovingly passed on the tradition of weekend cabin trips once she had a family of her own. The cabin sits on Horseshoe Lake and was a place where she learned to love the woods and the water. Motoring onto the trails, paddling around the lake, fishing, and family meals were just a few things that made the cabin trips so special. 

Ever since Denise and Mike’s honeymoon trip 40 years ago, Denise also loved her annual trips to Florida. Florida was a place that offered a true chance for her to unwind with her family. She found serenity on the beaches there. They would spend the days lounging on the beach searching for pretty seashells, eating her favorite fish dinners, spotting crabs on nighttime walks, taking evening trips to her favorite ice cream spot, and enjoying each other's company. 

Above all else Denise was selfless to no end. She was never too busy to take a phone call even just to offer a listening ear. She loved her family, husband, and kids endlessly. She didn’t shy away from anyone’s hardships, even when they seemed insurmountable. Her personal concerns were secondary to those in need. Denise taught her family to always help others, because “that is what we do”.

Denise leaves to cherish her memory: loving husband of 40 years, Michael Trevino, Sr.; children: Michael Trevino, Jr., Jamie (Bradford) Jacobsen, and Ryan Trevino; mother, Sally Bigelow; siblings: Tammi Pipkin Van Landschoot, Lisa Standifer, Bryan (Denise) Bigelow, and Mark (Jamie) Bigelow; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, J. L. Bigelow. A funeral service will take place at 11am on Friday, May 26, 2023 at COATS FUNERAL HOME – WATERFORD. Luncheon to follow service. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 4-8pmThose desiring may make a memorial contribution to American Cancer Society in honor of Denise.  

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