Doreen Hargreaves Denison

Doreen Hargreaves Denison, died peacefully with family beside her at home in Pomperaug Woods, Southbury, CT on July 31, 2018. She was 97 years old. Daughter of Constance (Willans) Hargreaves and Sidney Vernon Hargreaves, who emigrated to Canada from the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, England, after both served in World War I. Sister of Tony Hargreaves, a Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot, of Sainte Marguerite Station, Quebec, who predeceased her in 2001. Widow of Edward Urban Denison, who was born in Winter Haven, FL in 1906 and died in Washington D.C. in 1993. Doreen was born in Montreal, Quebec, on July 28, 1921. The family moved for a while to Chicago and Toronto before returning to Montreal. After graduating Town of Mont Royal high school, taking business courses, and entering the work force, she moved to Washington D.C. during World War II, as part of a government recruitment program for office staff. There she met and married naval officer Edward with whom she had seven children: Patricia Denison, Maureen Well, Ted Denison, Betsy Chiffert, Brian Denison, Karen Clark, and Wendy O’Neil who survive her. Throughout her long life, she loved singing, dancing, reading, sports, sunshine, fashion, art, and adventure; she taught tennis, volunteered in hospitals, traveled the world, and moved to Southbury at age 90. Above all, she was devoted to raising her seven children, staying close to her niece Jane and nephew T.J., fifteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Ever optimistic and energetic, generous and good, compassionate and kind, witty and wise, Doreen was deeply loved by her children, her extended family, and her many dear friends. She will be with us all in spirit until the end of our days. A service celebrating the life of our beloved Doreen will be held in Woodbury, CT, this fall.

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