Denise Marie Desy

Born Denise Duperreault, August 1919, in Willow Bunch, Sask., she was one of 14 children, growing up on a farm. The children all went to school at the Catholic convent in town. Denise completed grade 12 and

married Ralph Desy in 1939.

They moved to Merritt in 1956 and bought land in Lower Nicola. Despite having 11 children, she

still found time to do part time jobs in the community. Denise was a substitute teacher for many years. She made lunch at the Nicola Canford school and she opened a kindergarten before they were included in the school system. She drove the crummy for tree planters on forestry roads. She even drove a pilot car for a while. Volunteering was something else she made time for. Denise was the president of the PTA for years, founding President of the Catholic Womens League, a blood donor, played the organ

in church, and was director of the church choir.

Denise and her sisters, Laura, Jeanne and Irene travelled, golfed and bowled together for many years. She traveled extensively across Canada, and also visited parts of the USA, France, Italy, and Mexico. She travelled to see the Pope in Rome, and also enjoyed cruises. Denise always enjoyed a trip to the casino. She loved a meal out, but she was just as happy with a picnic in the park. She was always watching sports, and was an avid fan of the Canucks and the Blue Jays. She loved spending time with family.

Denise was predeceased by her husband Ralph Desy, and two daughters Pat Lyren and Lorraine Desy. All of her siblings are deceased except for one sister, Irene Bourgeois of Vernon. She is also survived by 9 children; Maurice (Olga) Desy, Bob (Jean) Desy, Claude Desy, Madeleine (Bill) Beaton, Gisele Desy, Bea (Clay) Moser, Henry (Lynn) Desy, Marcel (Lori) Desy, and Rosanne (Mike) Warner. Denise also left 21 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many long time friends in Merritt and at the Nicola Meadows. Her family would like to thank the staff at Nicola Meadows for their gentle care over the years. Also Drs. Wilson, Simpson and Van Der Merwe, and the acute care nurses at Nicola Valley General Hospital.

She was our mother and our friend. Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not.

Services will be held at a date yet to be determined.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

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And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: “We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence……..”

Your Mother is always with you……

She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street;

she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered clothes;

she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well.

Your Mother lives inside your laughter.

And she’s crystallized in every tear drop.

She’s the place you came from, your first home;

and she’s the map you follow with every step you take.

She’s your first love and your first heartbreak,

and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space…….not even death.