With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on July 12, peacefully at home at the age of 84 surrounded by family. Denise joins Don to continue their adventures together. She will be missed by her son Drummond, daughters Michèle and Sarah (Mike) Abdelnour, grandchildren Alexandra, Victoria, Eric, Glenn, Jordy and Matthew, and great-grandchildren Chloe and Lila. Her sense of adventure led this prairie girl from rural Manitoba to Europe, Africa and most recently through Central America. The stories of her adventures will remain with us forever. She will be so missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 10:00AM. An interment will follow in the National Military Cemetery. For those not able to attend the service in person, you are welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast to celebrate the incredible life of Denise. To register for the livestream, please click on the link above to register.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Denise’s name to the Ottawa Heart Institute or the Ottawa Humane Society.
Digital Guestbook
Donald Nicholas Abraham
Suzanne Beerthuis
My heart is heavy. I didn't know Denise for long but bonded with her so easily. Will miss our phone calls and regret that we weren't ble to travel together with her and Don. So glad we were able to celebrate 50th wedding anniversaries together.
David & Connie. Renshaw
Denise was a cherished friend for over fifty years, since she was our neighbour in CFB Gagetown, where Don served as a fellow company commander with David in 3 Service Battalion. Their children, Drummond, Michele and Sarah played happily with our sons Patrick and Sean. She has always been a very special person to Patrick and Sean. We shared many dinners, social gatherings and evening relaxing with a drink and interesting conversation. This friendship continued in Ottawa after retirement from the military.. We enjoyed being graciously hosted at their cottage. Denise was loved for her charm,, thoughtfulness, kindness and good humour. She will remain among our best remembrances, and in our prayers.
Anne Keable
My friend of so many years Rest in peace
Sean Renshaw
Sending my warmest wishes on this day of remembrance and celebration
Mary Lou and Ken Whitcomb
We've travelled together and enjoyed Denise's great humor over the years. What fun we have had together after first meeting at an ElderHostel (now called Road Scholar) week in the Western Townships of Montreal in 1997! We have stayed in touch in most recent years over the phone and Denise kept us supplied with Red River Cereal, which we could not get here, at Lake Tahoe, California. We especially enjoyed a week in Ottowa AND joining the whole family for Canadian Thanksgiving in 2007! She fiercely loved her children and grandchildren and we felt like we knew them well over the years. My, how we hit it off, enjoying each other's wisdom and humor! She was a credit to the world in so many ways! We will miss her.
Mary Lou and Ken Whitcomb
Annette Thompson
My heart sank when I heard the news of Denise passing. She was a spit fire, a guiding light to many. A good friend of mine and a family member of the late John Kenny 02/05/2022. We will always have a warm smile when remembering her. Much love to all. Annette.
John Fenech
Sending along sincere condolences, I always looked forward to seeing Denise. She had great stories, was always full of positive energy and had a sense of humour that I greatly appreciated. She will be missed.
Ken Eaves
Denise was a good friend. Enjoyed spending time with her on various ski trips and she always made sure she looked after others, whether it was saving seats on the bus, or arranging the accommodations. She had a great sense of humor. She will be missed.
our sincerest condolences to the family. Denise was a good friend and colleague of mine throughout our Real Estate career. She will be truly missed.