Vanessa Denise Pawlak, a vibrant force of nature, died in a car accident on May 15, 2025. She was 42 years old. A devoted mother, a brilliant professional, and a loyal friend, Vanessa leaves behind a legacy defined by strength, brilliance, and a deep devotion to her family and her dreams.
Vanessa was the cherished mother of two beautiful children, Cameron Elizabeth and Bradley William. Her love for her children was boundless—they were her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment.
Everything Vanessa did, she did with Cameron and Bradley in her heart. Whether it was juggling her many professional roles or exploring new frontiers in education and technology, her driving force was always the well-being and future of her children.
She was the beloved daughter of Denise Elizabeth and the late David Michael Byrwa, and a dear sister to Nathan David. Her family was her anchor and greatest support.
Even as she reached remarkable heights in her career, Vanessa never lost sight of the people who mattered most. Her loyalty to her family and friends was unmatched—she gave without hesitation and loved without limits.
A celebration of Vanessa’s life will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Charles R. Step Funeral Home, 18425 Beech Daly Rd, Redford, MI 48240.
A service will begin at 3:30 p.m. Immediately following, friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life dinner at The Hellenic Cultural Center, 36375 Joy Rd, Westland, MI 48185, to remember Vanessa with love, laughter, and shared stories.
Vanessa lived boldly. She was known for her unshakable determination, her fearless spirit, and her extraordinary intellect. Described by those who loved her as a “bad ass,” Vanessa accomplished what most people only dream of. She was powerful, adventurous, and had a mind that could rival the brightest in any room.
A true trailblazer, Vanessa served on the Board of Directors for both the Greater Northville Club at the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan and Consulting Magazine at ALM Media Group.
She was a former VP and partner at a Fortune 100 company, where she broke glass ceilings and mentored countless others along the way. Her colleagues admired her strategic vision, business acumen, and unwavering work ethic.
Vanessa’s academic accomplishments were as impressive as her professional ones. A graduate of Novi High School, she went on to study Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Most recently, she pursued cutting-edge research in Generative AI Technology at Harvard Medical School—an endeavor that exemplified her passion for innovation and lifelong learning.
She called Novi, Michigan home but was originally from Dearborn. Vanessa embraced her roots and built a life that reflected both her Midwestern values and her global ambitions.
Beyond the boardroom and classroom, Vanessa was a spirited sports fan and media personality. Known to listeners as “MVP,” she brought Detroit sports to life on The Big 1050 WTKA’s M-Zone talk show, offering fans her signature mix of insight, energy, and humor.
Her radio persona was just as magnetic as she was in person—people gravitated toward her wherever she went. Vanessa Denise Pawlak’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled.
But in her children, in the lives she touched, and in the many people she inspired, her legacy will live on. She was truly amazing—at everything she did.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
