Denise V.S. De Frias, M.D.

Born on February 26, 1933 in Garanhuns Brazil, she had studied medicine at Universidade Federal De Pernambuco (Ufpe) Faculdade De Medicina. She graduated in 1959 and then traveled to New York City where she was trained in cytopathology. Her mentor, which would have a huge impact on her Academic life, was Dr. Leopold Koss, also known as one of the founding fathers of cytopathology, who studied under the brilliant Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou. Her exceptional teachings helped to shape her into becoming one of the greatest in her field. She took her knowledge, and mentored others and developed some of the most preeminent cytopathologists in the nation. Her career continued for almost 40 years at Northwestern University where she was honored as a full tenured professor and served as chair and director of cytopathology. Her department pioneered many techniques and studies in fine needle aspiration of peripheral and deep organs. She was nothing short of exceptional. She had made an impact in medicine that colleagues around the nation and in other parts of the world knew her name.

As a mother to Imre and Nina, grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren, Blake, Miklos, Gabriela, Abraham, Querida and Sebastian, and three great granddaughters Sawyer, Remi and Harlow, Denise was the matriarch and heart of the family. She was more than her academic accomplishments, her love was the sun that warmed our hearts, rain that nourished our souls, and wind that will continue to propel all of us forward as we continue to honor her name for generations to come.

Today as we say goodbye, we celebrate the legacy Dr. Denise De Frias leaves behind.

To Denise, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, colleague and friend, you have left this world with a mark to be remembered for the years to come. Your spirit and many memories you created will be shared forever. We love you, we miss you and we will carry on your legacy of excellence for generations to come.

The celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 13th at Orland Funeral Home, located at 9900 W 143rd St Orland Park, IL 60462. This celebration will begin at 3:00 PM and end at 8:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service taking place that night.