Condolence: I was sorry to learn of your mother's passing. She had such a huge influence on you through all the milestones of your life. I always sensed her presence & guidance in the background of the good choices you made throughout your life. How fortunate that she was with you for so many years. It was great to learn of the diaries she kept, a family treasure you and the next generations will cherish in the coming years.

Condolence: My first impression of my mother-in-law was that she was a sophisticated and worldly woman; she was tall (at least by my standards), dressed well, spoke with a French accent, and was a world traveler. At that point in her life, Denise was traveling the world, even going to China by herself. Our first dinner together was when I was "Johnnie’s girlfriend", in December 1983 at Peter Luger’s Steakhouse in Brooklyn. Denise saw that I was cold and lent me her tailored jacket to wear (actually I was just nervous).

I received my first of many of Denise’s afghans for Christmas that year. The afghans were actually a partnership between Denise and her good friend, Grandma (Demilt’s mother, known at G.G. to her great-grandkids). Denise could knit the afghan in about a day, and Grandma would crochet a border for it. After Grandma passed away in 1990, Denise continued to make the afghans, but they were left without the crocheted border.

Getting to know Denise, I found that she was actually quite down-to-earth. She never drank alcohol, coffee or tea, never smoked, and her needs were quite simple. Denise usually didn’t eat dinner – just a glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast and a banana or English muffin. When Denise and Demilt were looking for a new home, Denise’s only requirement was that the house have a mailbox attached to it – not out by the road. Denise loved receiving the mail and the newspapers.

Denise was compassionate and remembered special details about each of her children. On my first visit to Denise and Demilt’s house for dinner, Denise met us at the door and announced to Johnnie that she had his baked potato ready for him. Apparently, as a child, John didn’t like mashed potatoes, so for every visit, John was served a special baked potato. When Denise hit upon a fantastic cheesecake recipe, it became a staple at every family get-together. If John were to order cheesecake at a restaurant, he would always observe that it was not as good as his mother’s cheesecake. Denise was very generous and could not resist giving to any charities. As a result, she received many calendars, medals, cards, labels, as well as “doo-dads” that she saved for her grandchildren. Denise loved her grandchildren and always made sure the house was stocked with mini-muffins and other goodies that they loved.

Denise had her own way of doing things. Her kitchen on Whetmore Drive had a white tile floor that was difficult to keep clean, so she took to using thick white socks to mop up the floor with her feet. She often said that she hated vacuuming, but loved to iron. Shortly after Emily was born, she came to stay with us for a week and ironed everything in the house.

Denise loved to visit with people, and even when she could not go out, welcomed people into her home. She was witty and talkative, and maintained her joie de vivre throughout her life. She will be missed.

Condolence: Dear Demilt and Family: We are so sorry for your loss and want to extend our deepest sympathies and love during this most difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
John and Leola

Condolence: Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Le Moyne College, Office of Alumni and Parent Programs
Syracuse, NY

Condolence: Dear Demilt and the Aitken Family,

We are so sorry to learn of your loss. That is uncanny that August 23rd is such a key date in your life together, Gramps! Both my girls were concerned for you when they learned of Denise's passing. I know Nana always appreciated your beautiful family as soon as she met you.

Our thoughts and prayers...if we do not make it up for the services, we will be praying here.

Best,

Renée

Condolence: I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Nancy, I will be thinking of and praying for you during this most difficult time for you and your family.

Condolence: August 23, 1952 was my 25th birthday and the date on which Denise & I were married.
Today is August 23, 2016...my 64th wedding anniversary and my 89th birthday.

Demilt

Condolence: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Aitken family during this
difficult time. Wishing you peace and strength during the coming days.
I have so many fond memories of growing in Syosset and getting together with your Mom and the whole Aitken family over the years.
I remember your Mom teaching us French in our 4-H club, I still have the book she gave us to teach us phrases.
Your Mom also taught me to knit in 4-H.
We'll never forget her kindness and loving nature.
love Margie and the Kraus Family