Yvette Irene (Duchesneau) Denis, 88, went to be with her Lord at 12:15 a.m. March 4 at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn. Her son, Michael Denis, sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Germain Garant and nieces, Felicia Garant, Pauline Duchesneau and Laurie Warzinski spent the day by her side and she died peacefully in her sleep.
Yvette was born Dec. 19, 1923 in Lewiston, to Emery and Rose Anna (Desrocher) Duchesneau. She married Maurice Denis on June 25, 1949 in Lewiston and her “darling” preceded her in death just months ago on Dec. 23, 2011. Together, they celebrated 62 years of a strong Catholic marriage.
In the 1940s, she worked in the weave room at the Androscoggin Mill and at the Telechron Clock Factory. Starting in 1950, she spent the next several years as a homemaker raising her three sons. Later, when Maurice was transferred to the V.A. Medical Center in Marion, Ill., she became a volunteer there and donated over 3000 hours of her time to helping the veterans. Once “Denny” retired, they enjoyed traveling and finally settled in a newly built home in Pemaquid in 1985. They spent the last 12 years at Montello Heights in Lewiston, where they enjoyed simple, relaxed adult living.
Yvette was a member of Holy Family Church in Lewiston. She was also a lifetime member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She enjoyed all kinds of crafts, including painting, knitting, crocheting and making ceramics. She also loved writing letters, receiving company, cooking and playing Pinochle.
Yvette had a very kind heart and lived a full life. She was dedicated to her family and her Catholic faith. She was also a strong, independent and opinionated woman who stood beside her husband through it all.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Maurice Denis; father and mother, Emery and Rose Anna Duchesneau; brothers, “little Roger” Duchesneau, Fernand Duchesneau, and Roger Duchesneau; daughter-in-law, Pamela Denis; and grandson, Clayton Denis.
Survivors include her sons, Francis Denis of Marion, Ill., Michael Denis of East Alton, Ill., and Anthony Denis of Vacaville, Cal.; sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Germain Garant of Lewiston; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Duchesneau of Newcastle, Fleurange “Flo” Anctil, Mary “Kitty” Denis and Lucille Denis, all of Lewiston; grandchildren, Melissa and Caine Larson, Hilary and Jamie Bradshaw, and Melanie and Brad Maple, all of Marion, Ill., Ryan and Dana Denis of Jonesboro, Ark., and Matthew Denis of East Alton, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Keegan McGee, Mya Larson, Neil Bradshaw, David Lewis, Michael Bradshaw, Katie Bradshaw, Parker Bradshaw, Olivia Maple, Khloe Maple and Jackson Maple, all of Marion, Ill., and Brayden Denis and Luke Denis of Jonesboro, Ark.; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
At Yvette’s request, there will be a special memorial mass for her at Holy Family, Lewiston, 11 a.m., Wed., March 7 and private graveside memorial at St. Peter’s Cemetery at 2 p.m.
If desired, contributions in Yvette’s memory may be made to Androscoggin Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210 or to the Alzheimer’s Association-Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Rt. 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.
Arrangements are by Pinette & Lynch, Lewiston.
