Denise Mary Bisaillon

Denise was born in Hartford to Edward and Mary (Portuese) Bisaillon. She attended Hartford schools and Manchester Community College.

Denise worked as a gallery attendant at Wadsworth Atheneum. She also worked for more than a decade at the progressive independent bookstore, Reader’s Feast, where she was said to be their most dedicated and helpful employee in the cafe, assisting the manager in tasks big and small. Denise was one of the pillars who helped Readers Feast be the refuge it came to be known as.

Denise loved reading and the performing arts. She made friends everywhere she went, from the people she worked with decades ago, to the Dial-a-Ride drivers and security guards, to church pastors.

She loved working in the St. Mary’s boutique, sharing second-hand treasures with friends and participating in holiday shows at St. Mary’s, taking delight in dressing up as Santa Claus and Uncle Sam. She excelled at helping her fellow residents navigate the assisted living center and was expert at organizing day trips for shopping and dining with her friend Juanita.

Denise is survived by her aunt, Lucy Tatem of New Britain. She leaves grieving friends at St. Mary’s, and across Connecticut and the region, who will miss her greetings at the front door, her way-too-early morning texts, her advocacy for friends and enthusiasm for life.

A memorial service for Denise will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24th in the Meditation Room at St. Mary’s Home, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford.