Denise O' Grady

February 11, 1953 – July 29, 2025

Denise Beatrice O’Grady (née Deschenes), of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 29 in Brookfield, Connecticut, at the age of 72.

Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Denise was the daughter of the late Jeannette and Norman Deschenes. She graduated from St. Anthony High School in the Class of 1971. She spent her entire professional life in the insurance industry, earning certifications from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research and the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. In 1992, she joined the J.M. Doherty Insurance Agency in New Bedford, where she remained a dedicated and trusted presence through its transitions to Partners Insurance and later BayCoast Insurance. She retired in June 2025 after more than three decades of service. Denise was known for her integrity, sharp attention to detail, and no-nonsense sense of humor. She especially enjoyed working with local businesses as a commercial lines account manager and valued the strong relationships she formed with her clients.

Denise enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, caring for her cats and beloved dog Kenzie, knitting and crocheting, redecorating her home, watching Hallmark movies, and reading. She loved participating in her grandsons’ activities and treasured shopping trips with her daughter and daughter-in-law. In the years following her husband Joe’s stroke, she became his primary caregiver, devoting much of the last decade of her life to supporting him with love, patience, and quiet strength. She discovered the organization Gifts to Give through BayCoast Insurance’s employee community service activities. She was touched by its mission and developed a soft spot for the charity, regularly donating clothing and other items.

Denise faced her cancer with strength, determination, and grace. She fought hard, holding on to her sharp wit and deep love for her family through it all. Throughout her treatment, she was surrounded by the steadfast care of her children, Douglas and Colleen, who remained by her side, creating space for quiet moments, shared memories, and simple joys. She was also cared for by her extended family and friends, including her brother Marc Deschenes, cousins Nancy Marchand and Connie Levasseur, and dear friends Cindy Aguiar and Karen Rossi. Their presence and support were a great comfort to her, and an immeasurable help to her children. Her family is profoundly grateful for the love and generosity they showed during that time, and for the compassionate care provided by Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut in her final weeks.

She is survived by her children, Douglas O’Grady and his wife Ashley, and Colleen Williams and her husband Thomas; her grandchildren Jake, Patrick, and Kayden. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Dutra, and her son, Steven O’Grady.

She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA. A private burial will follow at a later date. Flowers are welcome, or if preferred, donations in Denise’s memory may be made to Gifts to Give in Acushnet, an organization close to her heart. To donate, please visit www.giftstogive.org/donate/financially.