Denise L. Heroux

Rochester - Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 1, 2020 at the age of 85.

Predeceased by her parents, Alfred & Eva Proulx; brother, Paul & sister, Monique.

She is survived by her husband, Bernard Sr.; children, Danielle (Eric) Zielinski, Pierre (Karen), Paul (Linda), Jacqueline (William) Penwell, & Bernard Jr. (Vilmarie); grandchildren, Jonathan (Natalie), Elise (Joseph) Militello, Nicole (Joel) Williams, Michelle (Shawn) Conlon, Jon Pierre, Brandon (Corrine), Evan, Jake, Francis, Nadine, Juliana, Eva, & Lucia; great-grandchildren, Zachariah, Zoe, Matthew, Jayden, Harper, Blake & her little sister on the way; siblings, Georges Proulx & Victoire (Gaston Giguere) Proulx; many nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Many people leave this world with much of their story still locked inside them. That is not at all the case with our mom, Denise! She lived her life with her heart open to all, and without limitations on how much she gave of herself to everyone who were blessed to have known her. To know Denise was to love Denise – there simply was no other option! She drew you in with her infectious and radiant smile, and then quickly ensnared you with her genuine interest in you, her kindness, and her compassion. As a result, she has departed this world with her story fully shared and cherished by all. Her legacy is the lasting impact that she has had on all of our lives! As beneficiaries of her loving touch, we are all privileged to be an extension of her story for generations to come. This is Denise's story:

Daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, church volunteer, gardener, nature lover, giver, and authentic listener – these are just a few of the roles that Denise performed in her life, each one with an overflowing heart and an unwavering commitment to being "all in"! She was born in South Durham, Quebec, Canada on March 17th, 1935, in the midst of a snow storm. The day after, and on the way to church to be baptized, the sleigh tipped over and she landed deep in the snowbank. This experience is very likely responsible for Mom's love of snow, winter- fresh cold air, and always excited to take long walks during snow storms and blizzards!

She grew up on a dairy farm with her parents, Alfred and Eva Proulx, her brother Georges, and her two sisters, Monique and Victoire. As the oldest of the four children, we were told that she was "miss goodie two-shoes", which may have set a high bar for her siblings, but was still revered by them. She attained her teaching degree in 1952, from L'Ecole Normale Marguerite Bourgeois. She began her teaching career, at the age of seventeen, teaching at South Durham's one-room school house. She then moved on to teach, for three years, at an elementary school in McKeville. on the south shore of Montreal. Through a cousin, she was introduced to a handsome young man named Bernard Héroux. They were married on July 2nd, 1956, honeymooned in Les Laurentides, and shortly after they immigrated to Rochester, NY, where they settled, raised their family, and have resided ever since.

Together, they raised five wonderful children, insisting that they retain their French-Canadian heritage by speaking the language, obtain a college degree, and be strong in moral character. Since it is her children who are writing this, we can objectively and honestly say, with an appropriate amount of modesty, that they did a fantastic job! Our mom was blessed with thirteen grandchildren, each of whom she adored, got on the floor to play with, and was always willing to read stories with them. Mom has also been blessed with six great grandchildren, and a seventh one due to arrive this Fall. To say that our mom loved children would be a gross understatement! Children were the center of her life, her heart and her soul! She loved all children and teaching young children was her passion. Once she gained command of the English language, she was thrilled to resume her teaching career in Rochester, first as a second-grade teacher at Holy Redeemer School, and then as a pre-school teacher at St. Helens, and then Seton Catholic Schools. During her 42-year teaching career she received several recognition awards, but far more important to her, was being surrounded by children, showering them with love, and having a positive and lasting impact on their.

Mom loved her long walks and talks with her family and her neighborhood friends. She had a passion for flowers and had many flower gardens surrounding her home, as well as spread across her four-acre yard on Ridgeway Avenue. Working in the dirt with her hands was a cathartic experience for her, and as she watched her flowers bloom, she saw clearly this as a sign that God and her parents were smiling back at her. Mom was also an avid hockey fan, with her favorite player being Montreal Canadian, Elmer Lach – a key member of "The Punch Line!" Mom also kept a large scrapbook filled with autographed photos of her other "favorite" players, including Maurice "Rocket" Richard! Being a hockey fan, Mom also naturally enjoyed square dancing and crocheting, making large quilts for each of her children.

Mom also loved cats and was rarely ever without one. Her last cat Molly, belonged to her best friend and walking buddy, June Mauer. When June passed away in 2010, her sons asked if Denise would be willing to adopt Molly, which of course she was thrilled to accept! Unfortunately, when in May of last year, our parents had to move from River Edge Episcopal Home to the Seabury Woods Memory-Care home, Molly could not go with them. However, Molly had become quite popular with the other neighboring residents and was immediately adopted by another wonderful woman. Molly continues to lead a happy life on the third floor of River Edge and spends most days visiting with anyone who leaves their door open!

In early May of this year, it became clear that our mom needed more care than was possible at Seabury Woods. After much searching, we found the perfect home for Mom at Linden House, a beautiful Victorian home on Linden Street in Rochester. She spent the last seven weeks of her life, under the attentive and loving care of Kate Clancy, the owner of Linden House. From the first day that Mom met Kate, we could tell that she felt safe and at home. Kate and her other resident Margaret, quickly became her newest friends, and the last ones to be added to her very long list. We were so blessed to have found Kate and Linden House, a home where Mom's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were able visit, in person or via FaceTime.

On July 1st, Mom's final day with us, her five children and seven of her grandchildren were able to visit with her to say goodbye in person. Bernard, her loving husband of 64 years, was able to see and speak with her through a FaceTime video call. A devote Catholic all her life, Mom received the Anointment of the Sick at 2:30 PM, and at 4:46 PM, surrounded by her children and Kate, Mom passed away so peacefully, so gently, and so beautifully.
Mom, there are so many who were blessed by your presence in their lives. We all thank you for your gift of genuine love, your loyal friendship, and your ever-present twinkling-eye smiles! As you leave us on the wings of angels, we are comforted knowing that you will be watching over all of us.
Rest in peace Mom!

Her Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM Friday, July 17, 2020 at St. Boniface Church, 330 Gregory St. Interment at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association at alz.org