The words are hard to come by, when you’re still trying to make sense of someone being gone. Especially when that someone is your dear grandmother. All I can say, grandma, is that I love you endlessly, and am forever grateful for your unconditional love, support, and grounding conversations. You had a way of making me feel okay exactly where I was at any given time, and who I was, always. Your guidance and love is a huge part of who I am today - thank you just doesn’t seem enough. I know your new roll as an angel means you’ll always be with me, and that gives me peace, because I already miss you terribly, and I still need you around. I saw a medium today, and need you to know I felt you, I heard you, and thank you. All my love, grandma. Until we meet again. Your granddaughter, Vanessa

I remember my phone would ring and a voice on the end would say. “Get out here ya little bitch”. Then she would laugh and of course it was Denise. Rudy would know it was her and start running around crying to get out there. I knew Denise was in the parking lot waiting for him. Her smile was always incredible because oh how she loved him. I placed Rudy on the 2 perches she provided (her boobs) and he would settle right in.Off to McDonailds they would go for his chicken nuggets. When they got back it wasn’t easy to pry him off those perches.He dug in growled his face off and she would laugh herself silly. I owned him but his heart was always with her and she loved that.Denise was one of kind and I don’t think I will meet another like her in my lifetime. Her guidance and wisdom got me through a lot of tough times and I will cherish those memories.You will be missed and thought of often by numerous people that loved you very much.   Rest in peace Denise Love Buffy 

You were my best big sister and I will miss you dearly. You were the kindest, most giving person I knew, never judging and always offering love and support to those around you. I love you dear sister but I'm happy you are no longer in pain. Much love, Tracey

Thank you auntie for always being there and loving me unconditionally. You always saw better in me than I ever saw in myself. I love you

Grandma you were always a joy anytime we spent time together. When I think of you I think of you smiling and telling jokes with the family. Delicious food at family gatherings. You created the standard for our holiday meals. (From what I understand the secret is butter. On everything. Haha) You could taste the love (and butter) in every bite! Some of my best childhood memories was going to your house in poplar point. I will never forget how exciting it was to hear that we were going to grandma's house! You were always making everyone around you happy. When I think of you I think of true positivity. I know the angels are happy to have you on their team. You were always one of the good ones. My heart truly goes out to the broken hearts of everyone who is still here missing you. We will all miss you. I love you grandma.  I'm bad at goodbyes so I'll just say see you later  Love jason

Denise, Our time together was short (89 days to be exact) but it was nothing but joy and happiness even in your last few days. Everyone knew no matter how hard i tried to hide it that you were my favourite and now going into work will never be the same. Its the little things that i will remember about you that will get me through everyday as i walk by that room knowing your not there. Like making you your toast with butter and grape jelly so you didn't have to eat the baseball scones they put on the trays for breakfast. knowing just how to prop you up in... your words not mine "queen shit of turd island" chair everyday. ill always think of you when i paint my nails because you hated my colour choices, when i order a french vanilla at timmies because that was your favourite too, and when i see catheters they will be purses because that's how you liked it. If it wasn't me watching over you it was my mom on nights. i know how much we will hold you and all your joy in our hearts. i loved coming in to see your smile and hear your laughs knowing that you saved a surprise for me. I made you a painting for Christmas and you asked me what it was i told you, it was a key hole and even tho you were in the darkness the key hole showed light. you will find your way to the key to let it shine. Although this isn't how we all pictured it God knew he held that key and was time to bring you home. Everyday we will look for you and not see you but to keep our heads up and know your watching us. To Bonnie, Debbie, Sherry, Valerie, Randy and Chewy it is my deepest condolences and most love to all of you in these hard times. She will be missed by all she touched But never forgotten.

You were always such a amazing woman I am so greatful I got to grow up around you and the family and you always made me feel like I was one of your grandchildren ❤ you will be greatly missed grandma D you will be missed by so many people rest in peace grandma D ❤ Sarah 

    I remember reading this to you and how fitting it was.          I think it’s brave that you get up in the morning even if your soul is weary and your bones ache for rest.          I think it’s brave that you keep on living even if you don’t know how to anymore.          I think it’s brave that you push away the waves rolling in everyday day and decide to fight yet again.          I know there are days when you felt like giving up, but I think it’s brave you never did.      We talked a lot about your future plans. When all possibilities seemed so unobtainable I watch you strive not only for yourself but for all of us that loved you so much. Maybe a little selfish, but just not ready to let you go. Now who can I call when things get tough?  You always brought me back to that determined strong attitude you gifted me with. Encouraged me to pick it up and carry on. “It will be ok”  And it was. I loved our friendship mom and will miss our daily calls. But your words of encouragement I will carry always. I will embrace the day we see each other again. Love you mom

THE LAST NIGHT        Monday January  22 2023 was the last night  I  spent with my Mom.  She  told  me for the first time in years .She had no pain in her hip.l told her that we have to make cabage rolls together .when you come home from the Hospital. I asked what she wanted. She said a Bacon Sandwich.  Mom looked so good. It was a peaceful  night.                             THE LAST WORDS I NEVER GOT TO SAY   Wednesday  January 4 2022            THE Jets  are doing  good  Mom. They  have four  injured players coming back. Ernestine and l cut meat up to make Swiss steak and Stew with Dumplings. When you come home from the Hospital. I hope that you enjoyed that Bacon Sandwich I made for you. Me and Chewy  are leaving love you   THE THINGS SHE LOVED                          SPORT TEAM TORONTO BLUE JAYS WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS AND JETS                     FAVORIT SINGERS      ELVIS  PRESLEY         RITA MC NEIL            ENYA                            FAVORIT HOME FOODS                           Tomato Surprise Bacon Eggs Shrimp   FAVORIT  RESTAURANTS           THE Captians Table (Halibut)Chinese     Food Restaurant  (Breaded Shimp) Popeyes(Chicken wings).Playing  on the computer. Let's  not forget the ride to Lockport for a Skinners hot dog.       THE LAST WORDS    Mom I'm so greatful  to have had you in my life. Always proud of my work. Always telling me to be Safe. Always sharing and giving. Always happy that I found Ernestine (Baby Girl) and changed my life. Even  in the end on that shitty leg you still found  a way to make  me dinner  . No one could take your place. Good bye I got to get ready for the Jets game. I know your not in the next room. But if you're watching in heaven it's on 13 tsn. I said I would stay with you till the end. Well we made it 

T

I loved working with Denise when I was just a baby CO. She could always make things so much better with her wisdom and fantastic sense of humour (even when her ‘Boulder holder’ was making her cranky but she couldn’t take it off). Always a good sport,  she always loved a good prank even if it was her coworkers pulling them on her! (Yes I’m talking to you Dave and Sean) 😜 Thanks for the laughs Denise, it was a pleasure working with you and we’ll catch up when I see you on the other side (and I heard there’s no bras in heaven so rest easy AND comfortably Denise).  And to her family, never worry that she will be forgotten by her ‘work  family’. Even to this day, when we reminisce about the good ‘ol days, Denise stories are still told to this day even though she retired so long ago. That’s what kind of lasting effect she had on people ❤

Denise was always so good to me and treated me as one of her own giving me both love and an ear full whenever I needed either. I consider myself blessed for the time I spent with her and will forever be grateful for all the memories. Love you Mama D, rest in power ❤

Denis Cotter   I'm so greatful to have someone love me like my Grandma, At my best or though my worst her love was made clear.  I never really realized it but i see it now you weren't only my grandma you where my biggest support that believed in me always, she was honestly my best friend and as some know I was always her boyfriend or  amungst many more names to go with poor choices I choose to make always with the biggest smile cracking jokes just wanting me to know She was always on my side no matter what dumb things I did.  I will forever and always be thinking about, missing, and loving you Grandma when I wasn't around you did that for me.  It's hard not to be sad and often I cry while trying to understand this I can't except it cause i may not see it I feel it your love is always there till we meet again I love you Grandma  Love Dust

Mom I'm sure how to say to say goodbye or where to start so I'm just not going to . There are no words big enough to describe the love and respect I have for you .Just no it would take a lifetime to write . Fly high like a angel mom rest in peace . I will forever carry you close to my heart . Until we meet again ,thank you for being my mom.live your daughter Valerie 

Mom We didnt think this was going to be goodbye , but the angels above needed you .To show love and care you showed to the good and worst in all of us , never any judgment loving always . You will always remain in my heart . Nobody can take you away from my heart not even the angels.  Love always Dwight  P.S mom don't worry about Randy I got this one 

Dear, Denise Coming home is quiet, I miss your calls. Thank you for loving me. My tears flow for you because your no longer here. When we met who ever knew, you needed me as much as I needed you. I will forever love your baby boy Randy, he is a wonderful man. Thank you for having such a beautiful loving family and to have me to be apart of it. I don't know when these tears will stop, can you give me advice one more time? I feel you are okay now, no pain and for some reason I picture you dancing. By the way Chewy is doing okay I think he knows, and brings comfort to me and Randy . This is not goodbye but see you much later. I love you mom. Goodnight

I was very fortunate  to have met Denise  when I was a young man. I had the privilege  of living with her and her family for a few years..lots of laughter that's what I remember  most. She had a knack of scaring the crap out of you but in a loving fun way if that makes any sense. She was a very caring person and someone you could turn to with any problems.  She would then proceed to give you a lecture before helping you solve your problems.  It was a great time in my life living with Denise,Mac, Bonny, Debbie, Valerie, Sherry and Randy. It was a full house but they managed to squeeze  me in .Great times back then and that made for great memories.  I will miss seeing Denise when I visit Manitoba. She was something good in my world when I needed it most. Rest in peace Denise..it's been a long road. Nick Lowe❤

I was lucky to have Denise as my Mama Bear and no body better mess with her babes as she called us! If you were loved by Denise you knew it! She was one of the most caring people I have ever met! She will be missed by many! Love you always Mama Bear!

Denise Cynthia My MAMA

Love you Mama.. MY MAMA💞 BONNY

"IT was Mama" as the song Goes. BJ Thomas sings out my truth! Thank you MAMA! My aching hearts only comfort is in the fact that it doesn't, Hurt in Heaven! the Difficulty in walking is gone .I am Sure you can Run even Race! you always loved to Dance..Buddy Holly,s Maybe Baby and Peggy Sue.&the schottische dance! Burn up  Heaven,s Floor MOM.. I HOPE YOU DANCE! Please take the rest of the our Angels our family  and friends up there for a Dance.. Love you FOREVER.. Until we meet again ..BONNY💞

Awe Grandma, it’s still hard to believe you’re gone. I’m finding comfort in the memories I was lucky enough share with you, like when I spent a week out in Arnes. You did my nails and let me do your make up. You also caught me smoking, you didn’t get mad, not even a little. I thought I could pull the wool over you eyes, forgetting you had 5 passionate/adventurous kids and this was not your 1st rodeo. You calmly laid out the facts and said you weren’t mad, and I caved. You also introduced me to Farkle, which I now play with my family. You were the calm at the family get togethers, I would go and sit on you and you would give me a hug an pat my butt like a baby well rocking me, even when I was in my 30’s. You have a family full of jokers, I think that must have come from you too. You were completely unfazed no matter how inappropriate joke, in fact you often had your own inappropriate jokes too, like when you wore a certain hat to Assiniboine downs. You will be missed so much. Love always- Ka-Ka

Our condolences to Denise’s family! She will be surely missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow!❤ With love! Jacinte

You will be missed and never forgotten!

❤

My heart broke into a million pieces when my mom passed.  You helped me SO much to repair it since that day.   My heart broke again into a million pieces again when i heard of your passing.  You always told us straight.  I will miss playing Bingo with you.  Now you mom and Lorraine can get the game going again.  I will never forget you Aunty Baaniece.   I love you so much and will miss you only thing that makes this better is knowing you are no longer in pain.   Rest easy Aunty Denise.  💔 

On the occasion of Denise's retirement from her long and storied career in Corrections, I wrote about my first experience with her personal brand of giving supervisory direction to her staff on shift.  She and I were on duty at Portage Correctional during outdoor recreation with a group of a dozen or so incarcerated females.   The basic training that I had just completed emphasized the importance of a supervising officer keeping an eye on the big picture, but coming from a social work orientation I quickly found myself drawn into an intense one-on-one exchange with an apparently upset resident in the corner of the yard.  When recreation period was over and we were back in the office Denise took me aside privately and proceeded to commend me for the listening skills I had displayed while speaking with the resident, and then gently reminded me that while I was deeply engaged in that conversation, I was at a disadvantage for opportunities to spot potentially noteworthy details going on with other residents.  The situation could potentially have been a set-up, a deliberate test of the vulnerability of a new staff member.   Denise was so kind in the way she delivered what was essentially a reprimand, that I never even realized it was one until mulling over her words later.  She recognized my nervousness, and was deliberately gentle with me, but I never doubted that if I didn't catch on, she would not hesitate to be more direct next time.  She had a strong air of authority that commanded respect without intimidation.  She led by example, a good example of fairness with firmness.   Months later she jokingly dubbed me her shift's "Head of Security" in recognition of my efforts to be better in that department, which never came easily to me.  Denise had a beautiful, natural ability to call on the best in all of us, and she made each of us feel safe in a stressful atmosphere.   We were lucky to have her as a boss.  We all loved her, and the world is less without her.      

We weren't related by blood but she has been and will always be my grandma. We shared a true granddaughter and grandmother relationship, she taught me things and I taught her things. She never could understand technology. LOL. I will always be her "Brat". ☺️  I will always love you and carry our memories with me everywhere I go. RIP Grandma. 💔💗😚

Oh my friend you will be so missed. You have helped me with so many things in so many ways. I find peace in knowing all our phone calls ended with an I love you. So very sorry to the family for their loss. Free of pain at last ❤️😢

To my mom , I’m going to carry you with me , very close to my heart , I’m truly blessed to have a mother that’s is a Fighter , you believed in right and wrong and taught us the same , I love you with everything I have in me , rest now mom , you deserve it , all my sherry

Denise was a very special lady to me. When my mom passed away Denise took me into her family and called me her daughter she was my second mom who I loved with all my heart. I will miss our Sundays at your place having sausage egg McMuffins, hash browns and coffee and our talks. You are out of pain now fly high with the angels as you watch down over your family. Love you forever! Kim ❤️

 We lost a beautiful soul.  A lady who cared and loved with all her heart.  Always fought for the underdog and was very respected by both staff and residents.  She called a spade a spade!!  A real prankster and so much fun to work with.  Love you to the moon and back Denise.  You were one of the good ones.  Thoughts and hugs going to her family and our work family🥲❤️

Sorry to hear of your loss.