Denise Charlotte Charette

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denise Charlotte Charette, who left us peacefully on February 19, 2026, at MidState Medical center in Meriden at the age of 79. She was the loving wife of Gary Wayne Charette with whom she shared over 62 years of marriage. Denise was born on October 6, 1946, in Waterbury to the late Charles and Agnes (Strileckis) Johnson, and was a cherished member of the Cheshire community, where she has lived since 1995 moving here from Naugatuck.

A proud graduate of Prospect Street School, Naugatuck High School and St. Mary's School of Nursing, Denise dedicated over 40 years of her life to healthcare as a Licensed Practical Nurse and owner of Help Unlimited, Inc., a non medical home-care provider in Oakville. Her caring nature and commitment to others made a lasting impact, not just on her patients but throughout the community. Denise was a faithful parishioner of St. Bridget Church in Cheshire. 

Denise was a passionate lover of trivia and puzzles, often found challenging herself with her favorite game show Jeopardy! and working on Jumble puzzles. She gave her time as a Cub Scout leader, instilling values of resilience and community in the young people she mentored. She was also a pioneer provider of the medical alert devices industry and played an instrumental role in establishing the 911 system in the Naugatuck Valley. 

Travel was a significant part of Denise’s life; she loved the time spent on our annual family vacations, and had explored over 24 countries. She had a unique talent for capturing moments through photography, crafting, and loved collecting salt and pepper shakers from her adventures. 

Besides her husband, Denise leaves behind a loving family including her two sons, Gary Charette and his wife Theresa of Naugatuck, Darren Charette and his wife Heather of Madison, Alabama. Her sister, Frances Massicotte and her husband Robert of Naugatuck. Her cherished grandchildren, Brittany Strong and her husband Bryan, Danielle Bologna and her husband Nicholas and Michael, David, and Alexandria Charette. Her adored great grandchildren, Scarlett and Holly Strong and Sofia and Nicholas Bologna. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit and legacy. 

A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Denise’s life will be held on Wednesday February 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Bridget of Sweden Church 175 Main Street in Cheshire. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in Saint Bridget Cemetery in Cheshire. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire 615 South Main Street has care of arrangements.