Passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in her 88th year. Born October 10th, 1935, one of twelve Sanche siblings from Ste. Anne, Manitoba. Beloved wife of Roderick for over 63 years. Loving mother to Carolyn (Roger) Press and Judy (Mark) Empey. Caring grandmother to Robin (Richard), Eric (Jessica), Brigitte, and Julia.
In 1957, she married the love of her life, Roderick Louis Lessard. In 1971, the family moved from Winnipeg to Dundas, Ontario. Family gatherings were a big part of her life – great times surrounded by wonderful food, conversation, reminiscing and dancing. We hope to keep these traditions going in honour of her.
She touched the lives of so many people with her generosity, compassion, and sense of humour. Denise was blessed with the gift of kindness. She was a very special person who opened her heart to everyone – always keeping in touch, offering a helping hand, and being the best friend anyone could ask for. She showed the real meaning of love – devoting her life to family, taking care of her children and her husband, Rod, selflessly until he passed. She was an angel on earth!
Some of Denise’s pastimes included going for walks along the Dundas Rail Trail, with a pocketful of treats for furry friends she met along the way. She enjoyed baking, known for her apple pie and assortment of squares and cookies. She was also an avid gardener – so proud of the beautifully landscaped backyard that she and Rod created. She was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League and participated in many of the group’s community events.
Her family grieves her loss, but take comfort given her strong faith that Denise and Rod are together again in peace. We all loved her so much and will miss her more than she will ever know. Her spirit will shine brightly within us all.
Special thanks to the Cardiac and Palliative teams at Juravinski and St. Joseph’s Hospitals for their outstanding care. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Mrs Lessard was not only a devoted wife and mother but she was a special, kind, and caring person who truly enjoyed life. My family enjoyed having The Lessard’s as our neighbours. Judy and I had many sleep overs at each other’s homes played Rummoli and cards games while giggling during lots of weekends. Even in our adults years we would still visit and have lovely conversations with Denise. I’m so sad that the world lost this wonderful woman with that gleam of fun in her eyes. She is sorely missed by everyone who knew her. My condolences to Judy/Mark/Brigitte/Julia, and Carolyn/Roger/Robin/Eric. How lucky you were to have this amazing mother/Nanna in your lives. I know I feel sooo blessed to have had her in mine xoxoxo
We loved your smile, your laughter and your sense of humor. We will miss you dearly.
I have been trying to think of word to express our sadness of our beautiful aunt Denise…her laughter, sense of humour, kindness, devotion and open hearted love towards so many are what we loved and admired. A special lady who will be missed. Love you forever…
Condolences to the family.
We were neighbours on Moonglow for years and always enjoyed our many conversations with Denise and Rod when we lived on the street and also running into them around town after we moved.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Lessard family.
I would meet Denise many mornings on the rail trail for years.
Clementine our yellow Lab would run to greet her which overjoyed her.
She would accompany us to Sanctuary park and sit on the bench while the dogs played.
She was always smiling and joking (mostly about herself) but was not short of telling me about her family. Her grandchildren made her so proud!
I miss her a lot!
Rest in peace Denise!