DENISE M. CATCHAPAW

MIDDLEBURY — Denise Marie (Coffin) Peet Catchapaw passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on Feb. 2, 2024, at Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester, Vt.

Denise was born on Jan. 25, 1955, in Montpelier Vt., the daughter of Robert D. and Mary (Izor) Coffin. “Nesa,” as she was fondly known by family, grew up in Waterbury and graduated in 1973 from Harwood Union High School in Duxbury.

She loved candlepin bowling, music of all kinds and was a terrific dancer. She was sassy, spunky, full of life, and she touched the hearts of many people. Denise worked for many years at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury — a job she loved — where she met Robert “Bob” Peet, who became her husband. Sadly, he passed away in 1983.

In 1986 she married Richard Catchapaw Jr. They had one child, Elijah Nicholas Catchapaw, who was the light of her life. For many years they lived in Addison Vt., where Elijah grew up.

After her divorce, Denise moved to Middlebury, where she made many friends, especially Elsie and Lucille. It was there that she was joined by her Yorkshire terrier, Frankie, who was her constant companion and one of her greatest joys.

She is loved and remembered by her family: her son, Elijah Catchapaw and his partner, Leah Horrigan and their daughters Piper and Maya; her siblings, Victoria Coffin Alberghini and her husband Mark, Jennifer Blacklock Lowe and her husband Roger, Barry A. Coffin and his wife Tina; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Denise was predeceased by her parents.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester for the loving and compassionate care provided to Denise by their exceptional staff.

There will be no formal services held, and instead the family will have a private gathering to celebrate her life.◊