Denise M. (Michaud) Fradette

Denise M. Fradette, age 97, of East Hardwick, VT, died peacefully at her home, on August 9, 2025. She was surrounded by her family. 

Denise was born on February 27, 1928 in Plessisville, PQ, Canada. She is the daughter of Alphonse Michaud (d) and Alice Marcoux (d). 

Denise was the beloved spouse of Arsene Fradette who predeceased her on July 18, 2001. 

On September 4,1959 Denise and Arsene moved to East Hardwick, VT, where they raised their family of eight children and where they shared work on the family farm. 

Denise was a very active member of her church. In addition to attending worship services she was the church organist for many years, she was on the parish council, and other committees. She was  always freely giving of her time and talent to benefit her church community.  

Denise was a graduate of L’Ecole Normal de Levis, PQ, Canada. Her early education and formation taught her skills that she shared with her family. We all cherish the socks and mittens she knitted and  the clothes, quilts and blankets that she made for us. The jams she made filled us with not only their wonderful flavor but the love and joy she had for all of us. Denise taught at a one room school in Quebec to children in first to eight grade. In the US, Denise taught French at Sterling Academy in Craftsbury, Vermont. Additionally prior to being married, Denise worked at the Plessisville Farmer’s Cooperative. Denise valued education and encouraged all of her children to pursue higher education, providing support and guidance to all.

Denise created a welcoming environment in her home. Many days, especially during the summer, children from the neighborhood could be found sharing a meal with the family. There was always room at the table for others.  She used her many talents living a simple life while doing the hardest job in life, rearing a family with love. Beside her eight children Denise loved, fed, provided care and the warmth of home to grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with many others who were hungry.

Bereaved at this time are Denise's children and their families: 

Rene and his wife Sharon (d) of Hardwick, VT; Claire Pace and Kathleen Rusnak of Grantham, NH; Mario and his wife Mary Jane of East Hardwick, VT; Lise Hamel and her husband Larry of East Hardwick, VT; Robert and his wife Katherine (d) of Limington, Maine; Alain of East Hardwick, VT; Johanne and her life partner Vernon Nelson of Burlington, VT; and Micheline Woolson and her husband David of Plainville, MA. 

Denise leaves many grandchildren: William Pace, Christine Owens, Thomas Pace, Amy Whitney, Jensa Bushey, Sddita Blackburn, Kathryn Farnham, Julie Parker,  Marie Cloutier, Serena Stancliff, Andrew Hamel, Joseph Hamel, Laura Hamel, Justin Fradette, Lucas Fradette, Christopher Fradette, Joseph Fradette (d), Ellen Fradette, Denise Fradette, Carol Fradette (d), Kevin Fradette, Aimee Ganter, Jacob Woolson, Eric Woolson. Additionally there are numerous great grandchildren: Olivia, Lila, Henry, Riley, Adeline, William, Kenley, Brooklyn, Jacob, Julia, CJ (Christopher Jordan), Lillian, Anna, Kelyn, Cara, Nicholas, Jaden, Rebekah, Chloe, Grace, Zedekiah, Gunner, Orion, Ezra, Greyson, Wren, Devin, Bryson, Tristan.

Denise was the sister of beloved brothers and sisters: Joseph(d)and his spouse Rita Gagne(d); Gemma(d) and her spouse Henri Breton(d); Roland(d), and his spouse Francoise Baril (d), Sr. Lucille M.I.C(d) ; Sr. Gabrielle M.I.C. (d); Jean-Louis (d) and his spouse Micheline Lajeunesse (d); Jean- Louis Fradette and his spouse; Marguerite (d and her spouse Jean-Louis Fradette (d); Yvon (d) and his spouse Marie-Paule Cote (d); Laureat (d) and his wife Lise, Jacques (d), and his spouse Aline Gosselin (d); Therese, and her spouse Gerard Johnson(d); Georgette and her spouse Claude Alain (d); Solange (d) and her spouse Laurent Cormier (d); Julienne and her spouse Alphonse Arseneau (d) and Jacques Galarneau (d); Donald and his spouse Nicole Begin; Helene and her spouse Ghislain; Girard; Andre and his spouse Lise Roy; Raymonde and her spouse Jean-Noel Cossette(d).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Mary Queen of All Saints/St. Michael's Catholic Church, located at 270 The Bend Road, Greensboro Bend, VT. The burial will follow Mass at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Family, friends and loved ones are welcome to join in a reception meal at St. Michael’s Church Hall. Arrangements are with the des Groseilliers Funeral Home, 97 Church Street, Hardwick.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Denise’s memory can be given to the Hardwick Food Pantry, PO Box 1075, Hardwick, Vermont 05843.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denise M. (Michaud) Fradette, please visit our floral store.