Sister Denise (formerly Patricia) Bourgeois, 88, a Sister of Mercy for 69 years, died on January 24, 2025 during the loving vigilance of Sisters and Staff at Warde Senior Living, Windham, New Hampshire. A native of East Boston, Massachusetts and Denise was the daughter of William and Ellen (Denning) Norton.

Sister Denise held a B.A. degree in education from Mount Saint Mary College in Hooksett, New Hampshire and a Certificate in Primary Education from Salem State College in Massachusetts. Her ministry as a Sister of Mercy was in education with teaching in New Hampshire Catholic elementary schools. For 40 years, Sister Denise taught at Blessed Sacrament School and at St. Anthony's School in Manchester; at St. Patrick Schools in Nashua and in Portsmouth, at St. Mary's School in Claremont, and at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Derry.

After teaching, from 1998 to 20008 Sister Denise volunteered as a receptionist and secretary at St. Theresa Manor in Manchester, New Hampshire. The generosity of her service was reflected when she received the St. Theresa "Best Spirit Award." From 2008 to 2018, Sister Denise volunteered as a companion with the Senior Home Companion of the Manchester and Concord Community Action Programs. Her loving care and support of New Hampshire elders did not go unnoticed. At the 2012 Spirit of NH Ceremony, Sister Denise received The Spirit of New Hampshire Volunteer Service Award in acknowledgement of her exemplary contributions to volunteerism to the betterment of life in New Hampshire.

From 2018 until her retirement in 2019 Sister Denise volunteered as senior counselor with Manchester Community Mental Health Outreach. In 2020 Sister Denise took up residence at the Warde Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Windham, New Hampshire and was known for her kindnesses to residents.

Sister Denise enjoyed swimming and danced with a sacred dance team in praising God at many wide-ranging spiritual events.

Known to her loving family as Aunt Patty, she was predeceased by three sisters Mary Norton-Griffin, Claire Norton, Sr. Mary Esther Norton, RSM (formerly Constance Norton), and her Grand nephew John Hatton.

She is survived by members of her Mercy Community; her niece Ellen Griffin-Hatton and her nephew John (Jack) Griffin. Four grand nephews Jay, Ernie, Michael and Patrick. Along with nine wonderful great-grandnieces and nephews, including Hunter Griffin, Lauren, Rachel, Sarah, Griffin, Mary, Lola, Patrick, and Remy Hatton. As well as nine great grand nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to Calling Hours on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 10-11 AM, at the Warde Health Center, 21 Searles Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 AM, in the Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, New Hampshire. Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, Rhode Island 02864-1124, and online at www.sistersofmercy.org. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087.