P. Denise Leighton

With hearts full of love and faith, we share that Denise Leighton (70), of New Fairfield, CT, has peacefully entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 10, 2026. She was the wife of Derbin Leighton.

Denise was born in New Rochelle NY, a daughter of the late Peggy and Jimmy Ferriere. She lived in Mamaroneck and Larchmont NY while growing up, before moving to Danbury CT, and then New Fairfield. She graduated from Danbury High School.

Denise was a manager at Pick a Pants store in Brookfield, CT until 1980, when she became a mother and devoted her life to making a safe and loving home for her family. She was very creative and always had a passion for the arts. For years, she played guitar and sang with her Gospel band – Jedediah. She also loved painting, drawing and sculpting. She was extremely crafty and could build a house with a glue gun! In 1985 she opened Studio D, a ceramics studio in New Fairfield, where she taught classes for over 10 years. She was also a certified counselor and advocate at the Women’s Center of Danbury.

Her favorite place was Jennings Beach in Fairfield, CT. She loved to sit in the sand and listen to the waves crash on the shore, especially on the 4th of July, waiting for the fireworks display to start. She also loved Disney, and celebrated there with her family for a week after beating breast cancer in 2016.

She had a soft spot for animals and came home on more than one occasion with a new puppy or kitten, much to the surprise of her family.

One of Denise’s biggest passions was sharing Jesus with everyone she met. Denise created and founded Agape Retreat, a 48-hour weekend to experience the unconditional Agape love of Jesus. The first retreat was in 2004 after a year of planning, and it’s still going on today.

She was a spiritual mom to many and affected countless lives with her love, joy and compassion. She was full of life, personality, and loved to have fun all the time. Even though her absence leaves an emptiness here on earth, we know we will meet her again in glory.

Denise was predeceased by two brothers: Michael and Richard; and a sister, Claire.

In addition to her husband of 46 years, survivors include her daughter, Tara (Chris); her son, Justin (Rachel); and her siblings: Jeanne, Mikki, and Teddy; as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends will be received from 1:00pm-4:00pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Grace Life Community Church on 29 Marshall Court, Patterson, NY. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery in New Fairfield, CT

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: New Fairfield-Sherman Animal Welfare, 223 CT RT 37, New Fairfield, CT 06812 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105