Denise was born December 22, 1965 to Raymond and Marie Smigelsky.

She was their first child, but would soon have a younger sister Debra and brother David.

After her parents divorce, Denise took her step-father's last name, Pastir.

On May 7, 1988, Denise married Matt Knepper.

March 10, 1990 their daughter Sarah was born.

Denise and Matt divorced April 24, 1996.

On August 8, 1997, Denise married Jerry Pollatos.

Jerry passed away on June 5, 2003.