Denise Brooks

The Community Foundation is heartbroken by the loss of Denise Brooks, a long-time friend of the foundation and former board member. Denise was a strong supporter of our work and led our local YMCA through tough times to be able to thrive. She also provided leadership and guidance to many local nonprofits over the years.

A lifelong resident of the Port Huron area, Denise dedicated her career to organizations that serve others. She worked for the American Cancer Society and Port Huron Hospital, where she led the Hospital Foundation. She later served as President and CEO of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area, retiring in 2020 after more than 11 years.

Denise gave generously of her time and talents across numerous community organizations. Denise was a board member of the Community Foundation, the St. Clair County Library Board, and St. Clair County Community College. She was elected to the Port Huron Area School District Board of Education in 2016 and served for six years. She also held leadership roles with the United States Power Squadron and was involved with the Friends of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and the creation of Sandfest.

She brought the same passion to her personal life, whether cheering for Michigan State, cruising the Great Lakes with her husband David, or tending her garden. In recognition, the YMCA named its Mindfulness Garden in her honor—a place for reflection and peace, just like Denise herself.

Denise’s wisdom, grace, and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to David, her family, and the countless friends and colleagues whose lives she enriched.

To honor her memory, memorial gifts may be made to the Blue Water Area YMCA  or the Fort Gratiot Light Station Fund here at the Community Foundation.

Debra “Debbie” Ann Langell

We’re saddened by the passing of our dear friend Debra “Debbie” Ann Langell who passed away on April 12, 2025.

Debbie dedicated many years of service as Secretary of the Marine City Scholarship Foundation Endowment, helping support the educational dreams of local students. She found joy in birdwatching, photography, gardening, crafting, cooking, and baking—hobbies that reflected her creative and nurturing spirit.

Debbie survived by her daughter Lisa Langel and son-in-law Mason Mullally, her sister – Sandra Gramer and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Marine City Scholarship Foundation Endowment.

David L. Simpson

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, David Lloyd Simpson.

Dave’s greatest love was his wife and soulmate, Laura, whom he married on July 24, 2015. Together, they shared a life of adventure, laughter, and unwavering support. Dave’s next great passion was for the performing arts. 

His passion for theater began in his youth, earning him the nickname “Saint Dave” in high school. He pursued this love at Oakland University, earning a degree in Theatre Production and Design. As manager of the East China Performing Arts Center since its opening in 2004, “PAC Man” dedicated over 21 years to shaping productions and mentoring more than 1,500 students. His expertise in sound, lighting, and stage design made every performance exceptional, but his true legacy lies in the countless lives he touched.

Dave’s expertise in sound and light made him highly sought after for recording sessions, concert tours, and professional advice. Dave even won two Grammy awards and toured with many internationally-known artists. Believing in the need to serve, Dave served on Marine City’s planning and city commission and chaired countless other boards for the community and the school district. Dave was also one of the founding members of the Marine City Music Festival. All of his service showed his commitment to giving back to others.

Those that worked with Dave knew that he cared most about the students and their growth over building a perfect set. Accordingly, the family has asked that memorial gifts can be made to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to help positively impact the performing arts community Dave loved.