Denise Marie Raoul

Denise heard God’s call and left with him after letting her guardian angel know he set her free. Denise Marie Raoul passed at the Northside General Hospital after a 28 year, courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Born on December 25, 1952, in Sydney, Denise was the daughter of Bertha (Costello) Raoul and the late Mike Raoul Sr. She graduated from Holy Angels High School and St. Francis Xavier University with a B.A. and B. Ed. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who worked for the former Cape Breton-Victoria School Board for 23 years. She began her career teaching French in Louisbourg and later was a circuit French teacher for Don Bosco, Jamison, Whitney and New Victoria schools and served as an NSTU School Rep. She was a member of the Cape Breton District Local of Nova Scotia Teachers Union and Retired Teachers Organization. Denise was a devoted Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of St. Theresa’s Parish, spending many years sharing her friendship and faith through her involvement in New Beginnings and Cursillo. She enjoyed playing Tarbish, singing and dancing.

Denise was diagnosed with MS in 1993. Her strong will and determination allowed her to continue her parenting and teaching career until 1996. Denise accepted this major life change and lived independently at home until 2014. Failing health forced her to move into the Northside Community Guest Home where a new world of opportunities awaited. She made friends easily with her infectious laugh and mischievous facial expressions. Denise enjoyed weekly masses, music afternoons, visits to the hair salon, outings on the guest home bus and most of all having everyone waiting on her. Denise’s angels arranged regular excursions on the handi-trans to shop, dine and enjoy the sights. Denise celebrated all annual occasions from Valentines to Christmas with help from her angel. She would share decorated “themed” cupcakes with her friends and invited all to visit and enjoy her “theme tree” as it changed during the year. Smiles, laughter and shared friendships provided comfort and enjoyment for Denise while living in her “North Sydney home”.

Denise is survived by her daughters Renée (Good) Hardy (Marlon), Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta; Julia Hardy, Halifax, Nova Scotia; granddaughter Sunshine; mother Bertha Raoul; sister Dianne Raoul (Arnold); brothers Mickey “Mike” Raoul (Mary); Terry Raoul (Valerie); nieces Michelle, Jennifer, Lisa and Kimberly; nephew Michael; great nephew Marshall; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Denise was predeceased by her father Mike Raoul Sr.; husband Gerald “Gerry” Good; grandparents Jeanne and Frank Raoul, Blanche and James Costello Sr.

Denise will be dearly missed by her guardian angels Dianne, Jane, Nancy and Kim, all whom made her life meaningful, ensuring she felt loved and appreciated. The family extends their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Northside Community Guest Home staff for their kindness and compassion in providing care and comfort for Denise during the past 7 years. Also Dr. Alexander Wawer, Dr. Mandat Maharaj, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Staff and ER doctors and nurses, Northside General Hospital 5th floor staff, and EHS staff for their professional care during the past several years. As well as special family friend Rudy Plichie, for his numerous acts of kindness over the years which enabled Denise to live independently at home.

In honoring Denise’s wishes cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at TW Curry Parkview Chapel on November 12th, 2021, from 7-9pm, with a funeral mass celebrated the following day at St. Theresa’s Parish at 11am. Proof of vaccination and photo ID required to attend both. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so by visiting TW Curry’s facebook page. In memory of Denise donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Northside Community Guest Home Foundation or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.