Denise Bessette Fournier

Denise Bessette Fournier, 87, quietly passed April 16, 2021 at The Villages Regional Hospital, Florida. Denise was born July 29, 1933 in Waterbury, CT to Joseph Andre and Berthe Sarazine (Grenier) Bessette. She was married for 58 years to Paul Edward Fournier. Denise was a devoted daughter, wife and mother. She was also a talented and multi-faceted artist spanning painting, acting, singing and piano. Denise began singing at a young age and became a sought after soprano soloist for many weddings and events. She continued to sing for church choirs and with the Toledo Symphony Chorale. Her other passion was being in and around water. In addition to teaching yoga, Denise was a certified lifeguard and swimming instructor for over 50 years. She taught thousands to swim from babies to senior citizens. She was also a scuba diving instructor, and coached synchronized swimming and swim teams. Denise is survived by her children, Bruce E. Fournier, Lynn F. (Kenneth) Zuercher, Karen A. Flahie, and Keith A. (Diane) Fournier; grandchildren, Jillian, Stephanie (Ben), Andrew (Diane), Elizabeth (Eduardo), Brian, and Justin; great-grandson, Parker; brothers-in-law, J. Andre and Richard (Nita) Fournier. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andre and Berthe, and brother, Andre; husband, Paul; son-in-law, William Flahie; and granddaughters, Michelle and Sarah Flahie. A private internment ceremony will be conducted with her immediate family at her final resting place with her husband and parents at the Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.