Denise Pepe passed away peacefully August 13, 2026 after a long and resolute battle with cancer. Her courage, positivity, and grace were an inspiration to family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Denise is survived by her husband, Neal Filsinger, brothers Steve (Sue) of Raleigh, N.C., and Christopher (Melanie) of Hinckley, Ohio, and brothers-in-law Tom Filsinger (Leslie) of Sedona, Ariz., and Paul Filsinger (Sue) of Beachwood, Ohio, along with cherished nieces and nephews.

Born in Cuyahoga Falls on Sept. 13, 1959, Denise displayed artistry in all aspects of her life and work as a gifted Vidal Sassoon-trained hair stylist and salon owner in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls. With her close friend and business partner Pam Fiume, Clip Art was established as both a hair salon and art gallery showcasing many local artists’ work over the years. In keeping with her deep caring for nature and the environment, Denise also opened Bella Verde, one of the first organic hair salons in Summit County.

An enthusiastic foodie, she loved keeping up with the local dining scene and entertaining friends and family with tasty food and joyful experiences. Denise also expressed her love of art and design with a creatively unconventional style resulting in a unique beauty at home and in her garden. She also always made room in her life for a rescued feline friend or two.

Denise greatly appreciated the support she received on her journey from many people as she fought fiercely and with extraordinary hopefulness to remain with those she treasured. With no less appreciation for individuals not specifically named, those friends and family included Sue Filsinger, Elaine Lakis, Pam Fiume, Ann Skoblar, Sue Engelhart, Nancy Lick and Pat Phillips, Tim Riffle and Lina Palubinskas, and Brad Oglesby.

Friends may call at THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD ROAD, LYNDHURST (EAST OF MAYFIELD ROAD) 4-7 PM MONDAY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waterloo Alley Cat Project, P.O. Box 19246, Cleveland, OH 44119.