Denise Mcconnell

Denise Lynn McConnell passed away unexpectedly from an unknown cause on the afternoon of Easter Monday, April 13, 2020. Denise was born in 1947 in Central Butte, SK. It was "on a snowy February day - weather too bad for cars - my mom was taken to Central Butte in a horse & buggy." She grew up on a small farm outside of Lawson, SK with her parents, Jack and Audrey, and younger siblings Garry, Greg, and Grant. Their farm was known for their great water well. Folks from miles around would come to their pump for water. Contrary to others, Denise's memories of the well were not as fond. Having to carry water up-hill several times a day was not an ideal chore. To the day she passed she was terrified of mice because of her days on the farm. Denise started down her nursing path at the Regina Grey Nuns Hospital in 1964 and graduated in August of 1967. She cared for and nursed many patients for many years, from 1967 to 2013 throughout Saskatchewan - Weyburn 64-68, Shaunavon 68-69, North Battleford 69-70, Whitewood 70-75, Ponteix 75-80, Saskatoon 80-81, Rosetown 81-90, and Regina 90-2013 where she would affectionately be known as 'Mother' to the nurses in the area. "All my Nursing peers are special in our friendship. I would be very sad not to have this hospital association. It is unique & we are close." Denise loved to travel later in life going on several trips with the Zingers and Reschkes to places such as Cannon Beach, Olympia, WA, and several places in BC. Travelling alongside her friends, Denise's travels extended to many places around the world, such as Italy, Brazil, Portugal, Alaska, and Las Vegas. Even with her numerous travels, her favorite place was her condo – “I love my Condo. It is the first place that is mine and it makes me happy every time I come home. It is not fancy but it is mine." Denise loved to watch curling on TV, old movies, the beach, coffee with friends, and Facebook to connect with extended family. On New Year’s Eve, Denise was never available until later in the evening, as she always had plans to go out for supper with friends and have a little bit of wine, while her children were at home with no plans. She also loved talking on the phone for hours to friends and family, this activity will be missed the most for some people. She also loved reading, painting, drawing, writing, and shopping. The loss of Denny will be felt by many people, but especially her grandchildren Alex, Carter, Lina, Jami, Ryan, Grayson, Brody, and Fletcher. From conversations at her condo to her watching their many sporting events, taking them out shopping (by the way of Tim Hortons and Cobb's Bread!!), baking at her condo, to playing with them with their toys, art, or mini sticks (Sorry Bear - Grandma will remain the Stanley Cup champ forever). The yearly decorating of the gingerbread men will not be the same without Grandma. She will be greatly missed especially on their next birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving or just a regular ol’ Monday.

Until we meet again.

The family will be holding a private gathering.