Denise Lenore Garrett

Denise Lenore Garrett peacefully transitioned, surrounded by her children, on Friday, January 9, 2026, at her home in Cotuit, Massachusetts. Denise was born on March 3, 1952, in Torrington, Connecticut, to the late Doris (Hennequin) and Francis Grusauskas. She was raised in Goshen, Connecticut, the youngest daughter of five children. After a brief illness, Denise passed away at the age of 73.

From an early age, Denise wanted to be a nurse; caregiving was always her calling. She dedicated her life to helping others with courage, kindness and compassion. After graduating high school, she began her caregiving career as a nursing assistant while pursuing nursing school. At the age of 18, she welcomed her firstborn son, Domenic (Jamie) James Ruccio III. His Spina Bifida brought them to Massachusetts for treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital. Drawn to the Ocean, Denise and Jamie eventually settled on Cape Cod, which she proudly called home for the last 50 years.

Denise continued her caregiving path by serving 45 years as the Lead Unit Secretary in the Intensive Care Unit at Cape Cod Hospital. She was a gracious, kind soul who brought hope and light to clinicians, patients, and especially the families of patients. Her community was made better by her strong desire to advocate for and care for others- an enduring part of her legacy.

In her thirties, Denise welcomed two more children, Corey Garrett and Elizabeth (Garrett) Robbins. She deeply loved being a mother and was known for offering sound advice and heartfelt wisdom. Many of her children’s close friends fondly considered her a second mother. Coming from a musical family, she regularly opened her home to anyone who enjoyed good music and dancing, and often provided respite to friends in need.

Blessed with her father’s green thumb, Denise had a lifelong passion for gardening, always surrounding herself with plants and flowers. She lovingly signed notes, cards, and artwork with her signature flower. She was also a phenomenal baker, famous for her vanilla-iced brownies- often the request to any family gathering.

Denise had an adventurous, free spirit and a playful, childlike joy. She was fortunate to travel and spent many days sailing around New England. Her love for water was unmistakable, whether she was at a Cape Cod beach, out sailing, or playing lighthearted water pranks. Her home was filled with shells, crystals, and natural treasures collected during her travels along various coastlines.

Denise is survived by her two sons; Domenic (Jamie) James Ruccio III (Carolyn Saxon-Ruccio) of Dorchester, MA, and Corey Leigh Garrett (Jessica Garrett), and granddaughter, Mary Garrett, of Sandwich, MA; her daughter, Elizabeth Mary (Garrett) Robbins (Kenneth Robbins), and grandson, Andrew Robbins of Osterville, MA. She also leaves behind her former husband and high school sweetheart, Domenic (Dom) James Ruccio II of Belfast, ME and former husband Jeffrey Garrett of South Yarmouth, MA; her sister, Barbara Costello (Thomas Costello) of Unionville, CT, and her brother, Frank Grusauskas (Tru Schaelchli) of Falls Village, CT; as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Denise was predeceased by her parents, Doris and Francis Grusauskas of Goshen, CT; her sister Joan (Grusauskas) Crown and brother in-law Marty Crown of Hartford, CT; her sister Patricia (Grusauskas) Rickard and brother in-law James H. Rickard of Litchfield, CT; and her niece Wendy Rickard of Litchfield, CT.

Calling hours will be held from 1:00-4:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Doane, Beal and Ames, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA, with a private Celebration of Life from 4:00-5:00 PM to follow.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, Attn: Gift Services, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.