EAST HARDWICK – Denise M. Fradette, age 97, of East Hardwick, 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 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 eighth grade. In the US, Denise taught French at Sterling Academy in Craftsbury. 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 (Sharon (d), Hardwick; Claire Pace and Kathleen Rusnak, Grantham, N.H.; Mario (Mary Jane), East Hardwick; Lise Hamel (Larry), East Hardwick; Robert (Katherine (d), Limington, Me.; Alain, East Hardwick; Johanne (Vernon Nelson), Burlington,; and Micheline Woolson (David) of Plainville, Mass.
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 and Eric Woolson. Additionally there are numerous great grandchildren: Olivia, Lila, Henry, Riley, Adeline, William, Kenley, Brooklyn, Jacob, Julia, CJ (Christopher Jordan), Nicholas, Jaden, Rebekah, Chloe, Grace, Zedekiah, Gunner, Orion, Ezra, Greyson, Wren, Devin, Bryson and Tristan.
Denise was the sister of beloved brothers and sisters: Joseph (d) (Rita Gagne (d); Gemma (d) (Henri Breton (d); Roland (d) (Francoise Baril; Sr. Lucille M.I.C (d); Sr. Gabrielle M.I.C. (d); Jean-Louis (d) (Micheline Lajeunesse (d); Jean- Louis Fradette and his spouse; Marguerite (d) (Jean-Louis Fradette (d); Yvon (d) (Marie-Paule Cote (d); Jacques (d) (Aline Gosselin (d); Therese (Gerard Johnson (d); Georgette (Claude Alain (d); Solange (d) (Laurent Cormier (d), Julienne (Alphonse Arseneau (d) and Jacques Galarneau (d); Donald (Nicole Begin); Helene (Ghislain; Girard); Andre (Lise Roy); Raymonde (Jean-Noel Cossette (d).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at Mary Queen of All Saints – St. Michael’s Catholic Church, located at 270 The Bend Road, Greensboro Bend. 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, P.O. Box 1075, Hardwick, VT 05843.
Mes plus sincères sympathies à toute la famille Fradette. J’étais marié à la nièce de Mr Armand Fortier et j’ai connu plusieurs Michaud et Fradette.
Prayers for your family…such a tough loss.
Alain & family
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s death! I didn’t know her but l’m sure she was a sweetheart. I wished I could’ve been there as you were, for me, with Bobe/James! Much love to you all!
Alain & family
Was sad to hear about the loss of your mother, grandmother, etc. I wish I could’ve been there as you were there for me when Bobie/James died. You’re very thoughtful. Praying for your family!