Denise Anne Brizard was born on February 8, 1930, in the city of Hinche, on the island of Haiti, to the late Sylvain Brisard and Amalia Pierre. She was the second of three children, and family, education, and faith were her north stars.
In the late 1960s, Denise emigrated to the United States and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. She spoke fluent French and Haitian Creole and with some knowledge of the English language quickly became fluent in it while working at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston. Denise adapted to her new life and soon invited her eight nieces and nephews, who she had cared for as children, to stay with her at various times. As she explored this new city, she also channeled her passion for learning through travels to London, England; Paris, France; and to Rome and Capri in Italy.
In 1969, Denise welcomed her only child, Colette, whom she doted on her entire life. She eventually left the Sheraton Hotel and began working at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital until her retirement in 1995. She continued her education by taking a variety of classes from flower arranging, to computer courses, and was an active member at St. Anthony Shrine and Mission Church in Boston.
Denise’s zest for adventure and learning never waned. In her later years, she and Colette often took road trips and traveled together, and she loved going out with the two, frequently going out to dinner or to the movies. She approached life and new experiences with wonder and gratitude.
Denise is survived by her daughter Colette Greenstein and her seven nieces and nephews: Fred Doura, Lesly Doura, Alix Doura, Gessie Doura, Eddy Doura, Karine Doura Baptiste, and Sandra Doura, along with extended family and friends.
Denise lived a blessed and fulfilled life. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her kindness, and her magnificent smile that lit up the room. Denise was called to eternal peace on December 13, 2023, and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
May she rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM) at the Cleveland Clinic in memory of Denise Brizard to fund women-based Alzheimer’s research and educate people about brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention.
Website: https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Mission Church, 1575 Tremont St. Roxbury at 10 am on Thursday December 21, 2023. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. 990 Lagrange St. West Roxbury.