POTSDAM, NY – Denise Aitken, 92, of Leroy Street, peacefully passed away Sunday afternoon, August 21, 2016 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital with family by her side.

Denise was born June 20, 1924 in Montreal, Quebec, the daughter of the late Arice and Antoinette (Provost) Roy. On August 23, 1952, she married Demilt F. Aitken at St-Esprit Catholic Church in Quebec City. They were blessed with five children and 64 years of devotion and love.

At age 16, she went to work in the office of a shoe factory in Quebec City, where her father was also employed. She continued to work there until her marriage. Denise and Demilt began their married life in Mount Vernon, NY later moving to Syosset, Long Island where they continued to raise their growing family. They moved to Potsdam, NY in 2006. While in Syosset, Denise was an active member of the St. Edward’s Parish family, serving in the Altar and Rosary Society and the Anonymous Angels; a 4-H Leader and enjoyed many years of bowling with friends. In more recent years, she was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Potsdam. Denise supported many charitable organizations over the years. She was an avid knitter, known especially for her afghan blankets which bring comfort and warmth to many around the world. From a young age, she maintained a diary logging her last entry on her 90th birthday. She enjoyed sharing with her grandchildren stories of her many world travels and growing up in French Canada. She will be fondly remembered by many for her delicious meals and desserts , especially her New York-style cheesecakes. To the end, her friends and family enjoyed her humor and wit that made them smile and laugh.

Denise was a loving wife to her husband of 64 years, Demilt; devoted mother to her children, Elizabeth (Stephen) Fleury of Brewerton; Peter (Patricia) Aitken of Syosset; Michael (Betsy) Aitken of Chapel Hill, NC; John (Mary Beth) Aitken of Blauvelt, NY; and Nancy (Philip) Foisy of Potsdam; beloved grandmaman to Johanna (Matthew), James, Julia, Benjamin, Samuel, Matthew, Myles, Graham, Emily, Alexander, Joseph, Claudette (Michael), Caroline, Danielle, and Isabelle; and her great grandchildren, Jack and Nadia.

Denise will also be remembered by her sisters, Thérèse Landini; Suzanne (Roger) Meucci; her brother, René (Colette) Roy, all of Quebec City; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Denise was predeceased by three sisters, Marcelle Belley, Sister Madeleine Roy (Servants of Mary Queen of the Clergy), and Germaine Déchêne.

Friends may call Friday 4-7:00 PM at the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, 4 Cedar Street, Potsdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Stephen Rocker, celebrating. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Notre-Dame de-Belmont Cemetery, Quebec City.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley in her memory.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude, thanks, and praise to Care Givers Home Care in Canton for their professionalism and devoted care during the past three years; the caring and dedicated staff on the 2nd Floor and in the ER at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, for their short but excellent care.



Chère Denise, Mom, Grandmaman, Ma Tante…Je t’aime toujours!

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