Salem: Denise J. (Auger) Desjardins, age 81 of Salem, died peacefully, Friday, December 3, 2010 at her home. She was the wife of Clement E. Desjardins with whom she shared 59 years of marriage.
Denise was born in Salem, the daughter of the late Norman R. and Lucienne I. (Ledoux) Auger. She grew up in Salem and Marblehead and attended Ste. Chretienne Academy in Salem, Marblehead High School and Katherine Gibbs School in Boston.
Denise worked at the Auger Insurance Agency in Salem, before co-founding the Clement E. Desjardins Insurance Agency where she worked for 25 years. She retired with her husband in the year 2000.
Denise was a ten year cancer survivor and her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by 4 daughter, Diane D. Kotkowski of Salem, Joanne M. Powers and her husband Clifford of Marblehead, Andrea J. Compton and her husband Wayne D. of Salem, Cheryl A. DiPirro and her husband David T. of Peabody, a son, Peter J. Desjardins of Salem and his fiancée, Nancy Potter of Lynnfield, 7 grandchildren, Caitlin R. Powers of Branford, CT, Jamie Kotkowski of Canton, Mallory A. and Thomas P. Powers both of Marblehead, Olivia M., Emily E., and Hallie A. DiPirro all of Peabody, Cari Renna and Stacy Barrows both of Lynn. She is also survived by her brother Norman R. Auger and his wife Dorothy of East Bloomfield, NY.
Denise was predeceased by her son Paul Desjardins and 2 sisters, Helene Martin and Jeanne C. Devlin.
The family would like to extend special thanks to North Shore Elder Services, Partners Healthcare at Home, Hospice of the North Shore and Multicultural Home Care and the many caregivers and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. to be followed by her funeral mass in Ste. Anne Church, 290 Jefferson Ave., Salem at 10:30 a.m. Visiting hours: Tuesday 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or the Paul C. Desjardins Scholarship Fund, c/o St. John’s Preparatory School, 72 Spring St., Danvers, MA 01923. For guestbook and additional information please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com