Denise “Niecie” Hedtler, age 66, of Franklin, MA passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023, after a twenty-year courageous battle with cancer. Denise departed in the comfort of her own home surrounded by loving family members. Denise was the loyal wife of Richard “Rick” Hedtler of Franklin, MA for 44 years. She was born in Boston to the late Peter and Catherine Halfkenny on June 9, 1957, as the youngest of 7 children. She married Richard on October 7, 1978, and became a devoted mother of 5 children. Denise “Mama” spent many years as a homemaker committed to raising her children into strong, successful, and caring people. Over the years she became a grandmother to 13 grandchildren whom she adored and cherished. Anyone who knew Denise knows that she always considered her children and grandchildren to be her greatest accomplishments in life. Throughout her battle with cancer, her strength and compassion never wavered, and she often said, “it is what it is”. Despite all the challenges she faced in her own life, she never failed to offer a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on to all of her family and friends.
Denise and “her honey” Rick, along with their two dogs, were avid seasonal campers for the past 16 years. Denise had a love for nature, hummingbirds, and lawn ornaments. She also had a passion for seasonal decorating and holidays, especially Christmas. She spent countless hours in the kitchen preparing holiday meals including, “the best stuffing and eggs” with her family by her side. She was a member of the New England Chapel where she frequently attended services. She encouraged optimism and offered positive perspectives to all. Denise also had an infectious laugh and a smile that lit up the room. True to her Irish roots, she had the gift of gab and made everyone around her feel special. She consistently brought a smile to everyone’s face when she ended her conversations with “I love you more”, “I love you with all my heart”, or “toodles”.
Besides her husband Rick, Denise is survived by her children, Jason Hedtler (Lindsay Devin) of Franklin, Jamie Ward (Stephen Beal) of Bellingham, Scott Hedtler (Ashley Hedtler) of Whitinsville, Jennifer Payton (Justin Payton) of Hopedale, and Laurie O’Brien (John O’Brien) of Lincoln, RI. She is also survived by her sister Pauline Hogan of Woonsocket, RI. She was the beloved grandmother “Nana” of Kayla Hedtler, Julia Hedtler, Leigha Hedtler, Donovan Ward, Isabella Ward, Jayden Ward, Giannah “her darling” Hedtler, Brandon Shaw, Brianna Barefoot, Courtney Barefoot, John O’Brien, Haylee O’Brien, and Savannah O’Brien. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and close friends. Denise now joins her late parents and siblings Joseph “Joe” Grinnell, Francis “Duke” Grinnell, Patricia “Patsy” Lopes, Joanne Rosa, and James Grinnell.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Denise on Saturday August 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM, in the New England Chapel located at 300 East Central St., Franklin, MA. Purple flare is encouraged per Mama’s request. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Franklin, will take place with her family.
Donations in Denise’s name can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains” – Anonymous