Denise M. (Laramee) King, Longtime resident of Burlington, Vermont
Denise King, 73, longtime resident of Burlington, Peacefully lost her 2 yr battle with Ovarian Cancer on February 3rd, 2021, with her beloved husband by her side, at home as she wished.
Denise was born on April 4th, 1947, in North Troy, VT. To Jean-Paul & Theresa (Rondeau) Laramee. She was the oldest of seven.
She graduated in 1964 from Sacred Heart, In Newport, VT. After Graduation, she decided to move to Burlington to begin her adult life. Where she began working at the Vermont Dept. of Health. It wouldn't be long before she met her Husband to be Terrance Allen King AKA (T.K.) at the Red Dog, where he asked her to dance, T.K says he knew right then this was the woman he would marry. The rest is history, as they spent the next 52 yrs of life together, raising 3 beautiful children she was so proud of, evident through her smile that said it all. Later in life becoming a grandmother or as they called her, Meme're. Her 2 granddaughters and grandson were truly the light of her life.
Next to her love for her family, was her devotion to her Catholic Faith and service to the Church. Where she was a parishioner at St. Marks for over 50 yrs, in Burlington. During this time she served as a member of the Ladies of St. Marks, a Lector, and volunteered for many other church activities, like the yearly lawn party where she won 1st place for her delicious whoopie pies.
Denise enjoyed dancing, bowling, gardening, doing puzzles, playing badminton, going to craft fairs every season(often winning raffle prizes), and playing board games especially scrabble, if you were to win you better bet a rematch was coming. She enjoyed crosswords with her husband and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy together. She loved feeding her birds (which she could name simply by their song.) During the warmer months, You could often find her sitting on her swing outside reading and visiting with neighbors. Her favorite highlights were playing with her grandkids and going to camp in the Northeast Kingdom where she spent time with her family. Memories she cherished and looked forward to every year.
She and Terry shared in 52 wonderful years together. One of the most important things they enjoyed, was traveling up to North Troy visiting her brothers & sisters whom she was so very close to, trips they made often. Through her love for them, Terry gained five amazing brothers and sister-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.
Denise's husband Terry (T.K.) played in a band for over 20 yrs, during which she enjoyed watching and dancing as he played. When she wasn't watching, she would help by waitressing at the former Eagles Club, where her love for people was seen through her smile. In their early years, Denise & Terry enjoyed bowling together, where she was the league secretary for several years. To this day she still keeps all her nightly bowling statistics. She continued bowling during her treatments, when she could, with her eldest daughter. Denise's time with her daughter and bowling family was a source of strength and happiness. It meant the world to her to see those ladies on Tuesday nights, as she loved them all.
Over the years Denise's love for the holidays was always visible, as a neighbor recently mentioned how they loved seeing decorations in her windows and yard throughout the year. Halloween was a special one as the family would all meet at her home to have moms goulash, laugh, and enjoy all the trick or treaters that knocked. She loved counting every visitor, especially the little ones and their costumes. In true Denise fashion, she kept a record of how many she saw each year at her door. Denise would even have little bags set aside for each of her kids, and grandkids.
During the Holidays she would make her Creme de menthe bars, whoopie pies, and Chocolate/Peanut Butter fudge (which was always a request by her grandkids)even making sure to have enough set aside for her bowling family and friends.
Denise truly led a selfless life, always putting those around her first. Throughout her battle with Cancer, if you visited or called it was never about her situation, she would divert the conversation to your needs, your struggles, and say "I'm fine" but how are you doing, etc. Her heart was larger than life and her smile never wavered.
While raising her kids she ran a home daycare, allowing her to be home when her kids returned from school. Over those years she was a part of watching some of the neighborhood kids as well. Many who returned to visit over the years to say hello.
Denise was well-known in the Burlington area, as a 15 yr employee of The Ethan Allen Bake Shop until its closing. Where she was known as "the Doughnut Lady." She greeted many customers who became friends, with a coffee, doughnut, and a smile she will always be remembered for.
After the bakery, she worked around the corner at Hill's Hardware (now Ace) for a few years. Where she enjoyed seeing many of her customers from the bakery. Soon after She began working at C.P. Smith school in foodservice before she officially retired.
Her final and most important love was watching her grandchildren. You would often find her playing Wiffle ball, or outside with sidewalk chalk, or walking them to local parks to have picnics, and enjoying the day. Denise loved Spoiling them with more love, and attention making priceless memories she cherished.
Denise's smile, her hello, and her missing presence will be forever missed by all.
Denise is survived by, her husband Terrance (TK) King, of Burlington, Her daughter Wanda King (Paluba) & Husband Edmond Paluba of Colchester, Her Daughter Carrie King of South Burlington, and Her Son Matthew King of Burlington.
Her Brothers, Ernie & Sister-in-law Claire Laramee, Richard Laramee, Robert & Sister-in-law Cindy Laramee, all from North Troy, VT. Brother Andre Laramee & Partner Anne from Coventry, Maurice & Sister-in-law Laura Laramee from Westfield. And Carmen (Sanville) Laramee & Brother-in-law Norman Sanville. Her Grandchildren, Ayla Paluba, Addison Paluba, and grandson Mason King.
Surviving aunts, Sr. Lucienne Rondeau, Marlborough, Ma, Collette Lewis, Barre, Vt, Fern Carvalho, Bristol, CT
And many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.
She is predeceased by her parents, Jean-Paul & Teresa Laramee, and her granddog Bugzy King.
Denise's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to her dear neighbors & friends. You have gone above and beyond in friendship and support during the many years in the neighborhood. Especially the last 2 yrs throughout her battle. They would also like to Thank Father Dallas of St. Marks Church for his weekly visits Providing her with spiritual comfort & guidance. The family would like to recognize the care given by Dr. Everitt and the Oncology Dept. provided. As well as Molly McClintock from Home Health Hospice, who gave Denise much comfort, and compassion. To deal with the end of life on her terms and at her home.
In Leu of gifts or flowers, the family would like to invite anyone to donate to either of these 2 charities in Denise's honor. Audubon Vermont 255 Sherman Hollow Road, Huntington, VT 05462 as she loved watching the many birds, especially her beautiful Cardinals, And The North End Food Pantry Oddfellows/Rebekahs Lodge, 1416 North Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05408.
Presently due to Covid-19, the Family is planning a Celebration of life gathering later this spring details will be at a later date. The family also invites you to share your memories, stories, and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com. They would love to hear and share in those memories.