Obituary of Denise Mona Paquette

PAQUETTE, Denise Mona

April 11, 1953 – Sudbury, Ontario

April 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Denise Mona Paquette of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully after a short battle with bile duct liver cancer on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the age of 71 years.

Denise was born in Sudbury, ON, on April 11, 1953. She moved to Thompson, MB, at the young age of eighteen, where she met her then husband, Gordon Simes. Denise and Gord would have three children, Chris, Keith, and Charlene Simes.

Denise accomplished much throughout her life, serving the city of Thompson, MB, through her career at Nickel City Motors for 35 years. She also had various roles at the St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church in Thompson, assisting Sister Andrea Dumont from 1996 to 2010. In 2010, Denise moved to Calgary, where she expanded her skills and knowledge in, home care, senior care, and disability care. This led her to a fulfilling career at Calgary Community Day Services, where she worked with adults with disabilities, eventually rising to a management position. She held a special place in all her clients and coworkers’ hearts and will be deeply missed.

Although Denise found fulfillment in serving others, her true passion was her only granddaughter, Chloe Mae Swirsky. Born in 2018, Chloe was her entire world. She was an incredible grandmother who was always playing, dancing, teaching, baking, and making memorable trips to candy and toy stores. Their bond was so special and will continue to hold strong as Chloe ages.

Recently celebrating her 70th birthday in 2023, Denise enjoyed a memorable vacation to Hawaii with her children, Chris, Charlene (Chad), and Chloe, creating many memories that will be cherished forever.

Denise had a love for sixties and seventies music, with one of her favourite song quotes being from the song, “Let It Be” by The Beatles.

And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree

There will be an answer, let it be.

For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see.

There will be an answer, let it be.

She had the spirit of a warrior and the heart of an angel. Her strength and guidance will be missed by so many.

Denise is survived by her children, Chris Simes of Winnipeg, MB, and Charlene Simes (Chad Swirsky) of Calgary, AB; granddaughter Chloe Swirsky of Calgary, AB, her sisters, Rita Cormier of Kitchener, ON, and Jeannine Paquette of Halifax, NS; and her brothers, Robert Paquette of Ottawa, ON, and Gilles Paquette of Windsor, ON.

Denise was predeceased by her son Keith Simes, mother Rita Paquette, father Henri Paquette, and brother Claude Paquette.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Denise’s family here.

In living memory of Denise Paquette, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.