Webster – Denise A. (Para) Burgess, 76, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 23, 2023, in Life Care Center of Auburn with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She is predeceased by her husband of 37 years, David W. Burgess who passed in November of 2012.
She leaves her 2 daughters, Kim M. Wigglesworth and her husband Scott of N. Grosvenordale, CT and Michelle E. Jodrey and her husband Christopher of Dayville, CT; her only granddaughter, the light of her life, Cassidy Jodrey; She was preceded in death by her sister, Vivian Para who died in 1974.
She was born on August 5 1947 in Webster, a daughter of Frank and Dorothy (Cusson) Para and lived in Webster most of her life. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1965.
Mrs. Burgess worked for many years as a credit collection specialist in the banking and insurance industry, most notably as a supervisor at Commerce Insurance company for many years and Grafton Credit Union where she was also a notary public. In addition, Denise was a licensed real estate broker working for Century 21 for several years.
Denise enjoyed camping, going on cruises and to the casinos, watching football, Chinese restaurants and spending time with her best friend, Aunt Irene. She loved cats and dogs having rescued many in her lifetime.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 4, at 11:00 AM in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery. A calling period will take place Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 AM before services. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.