DORN, Denise Janette, 64 Wallace
With deepest of sorrow and bittersweet gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Denise Janette (Hurley) Dorn announce the passing of our kind, caring and unimaginably generous wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was surrounded by her loving family on February 23, 2024 at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan at the time of her passing.
Denise was born January 11, 1960, to Daniel and Norma Joyce (Smith) Hurley in Amherst. Growing up in Thomson Station, Denise developed a strong sense of family, being close with her parents, grandparents, and brothers, Alan and Arnold. Denise loved to skate, a hobby which she shared with her grandfather Wilson, spending many joyful hours together during this winter pastime.Prior to her marriage, Denise spent several years working in positions at Zellers, the School for the Deaf in Amherst, as well as the Halifax Infirmary.
Once she met the love of her life, George – they embarked on some amazing adventures, particularly spending time in Libya while George was working abroad. They saw many countries around the world, seeing sights and making memories that last a lifetime. They eventually settled in Wallace and started a family. Denise’s children Danielle and Dorian were her greatest accomplishments. She spent each day providing the best care and support to her children and her son in law Dwight.
Over the past few years, Denise transitioned from being "Mom" to being "Nana" with the birth of the lights of her life – Declan and Alexis. Nana Denise was always ready for her sweethearts with treats, gifts, a hug, a kiss, and a gentle smile. As she moved into the role of grandmother, she always had sage advice for her kids and grandkids and was so proud of the values and principles that she saw Dwight and Danielle passing onto the next generation.
Denise’s home was her palace – she always ensured that it was a welcome place to visit with family and friends alike. The door was always open to everyone – with a friendly smile, a hot cup of coffee and a chat at the ready every day. Denise made it her personal mission to ensure that everyone was comfortable. She also wanted to ensure the house was a physical representation of her love of the holidays throughout the year. She decorated to make each holiday special.
Christmas was by far her favourite. Each November 12th would bring about the transition to the holidays, and the abundance of Christmas decorations and meticulously decorated Christmas trees would deck the halls and adorn each room. This tradition she has passed on to her children and grandchildren.
Denise was also very well known for her love of shopping. Each trip to town to shop created a new opportunity to find something that she could enjoy. She was known for her personal style – creating a well-tuned wardrobe bursting at the seams with outfits for every occasion. Her attention to detail, and commitment to pull an outfit together with just the right jewelry and accessories was a passion of hers.
Denise was a proud member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Springhill, Nova Scotia. Her faith was strong and was a physical embodiment of Christian charity with her family and friends. Her faith helped guide her during her illness and her hope for a return to good health.
Denise is survived by her mother Norma, her husband of 41 years, George, her daughter Danielle (Dwight) and son Dorian, grandchildren Declan and Alexis, brothers Alan (Clara) Hurley and Arnold (Jackie) Hurley, brother-in-law John, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as special friend Charlotte Lou Moody (Doug Gullon).
She was predeceased by her father Daniel Hurley, her maternal and paternal grandparents - Wilson and Vera (Thompson) Smith, Alexis and Amie (Collins) Hurley, mother and father-in-law August and Margaret (Heinzelmann) Dorn, brother-in-law Augustine (Gus) and several aunts and uncles.
Her family would like to take this opportunity to thank the many health care professionals that provided care to Denise during her illness, especially the nursing staff at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, and Dr. Larry James.
Care of Denise has been entrusted to W Allen Funeral Home, 60 Water Street, Oxford. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday February 28, 2024. A funeral mass to celebrate Denise’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday February 29, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Parish, 63 Church Street, Amherst Nova Scotia
Donations in memory of Denise may be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Chalice, or a charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Denise's online memorial at www.allenfuneralhome.ca or through the W. Allen Funeral Home Facebook Page.
Gone from us that smiling face,
The cheerful pleasant ways,
The heart that won so many friends,
In bygone, happy days.
A life made beautiful by kindly deeds,
A helping hand for others’ needs.
To a beautiful life,
Comes a happy end,
She died as she lived,
Everyone’s friend.
"Gone from Us" – Unknown