Denise Norma Amanda Durand-Hutchinson, age 52, left us on Wednesday December 10, 2008 as the warm noon sun shone on her at Victoria Hospice. This was a good day for Denise. This was Denise’s final stop on her three-year journey as she battled bravely against inflammatory breast cancer. She was strong willed up until the end and never gave up fighting. Denise leaves behind and will be forever remembered by her husband Tim and his son Brandon, her daughters Kristen and Nicole (AJ) and their children, Riley, Tao, Taylin, McKenzie, Aspen, and Montana. Denise was born in Penticton, BC and was the older of three sisters, leaving behind her father, Paul Durand (Hazel), her sister Debbie Olnick (Dale) and her son Chris (Stephanie), and sister Richele Bridges (Gord) and their two sons Gordie (Angela) and Brian (Elaina) and great nephews Bryson and Ashton. Denise is also survived by her aunts Beverly, and Carolyn, Uncle Maurice and grandmother Norma Long as well as many nieces and nephews, and cousins. Denise now joins her mother Wilhemena Durand in peace at the Esquimalt Lagoon.
Denise always had a big heart, and always put others before herself. She had many passions including hiking, kayaking, travel, photography, gardening and spending time with her family. She will always be remembered in our hearts through the passion and love that she gave to us. Denise was honored to have a career with the Government of BC over the last 16 years. Her career included working for three different Deputy Ministers to the Premier and she was proud to have worked her way up through the ranks starting as a clerk. Denise’s family would like the thank the many doctors and nurses at the Victoria Hospice, Vancouver Island Cancer Center, and the trials clinic at the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver for their commitment, compassion and caring throughout Denise’s journey with inflammatory breast cancer. Also many thanks to Denise’s co-workers for their support over the years.
A celebration of Denise’s life will be held on Saturday December 20, 2008 10am at McCall’s Floral Chapel at Vancouver and Johnson streets Victoria, BC followed by light snacks and refreshments. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the BC Cancer Agency 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8R 6V5
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