DENISE CHASTY

DENISE CHASTY
Denise Chasty died peacefully on March 4, 2026, in St. Joseph's Hospital, surrounded by family.

Denise was one of five children born to Dollard Bilodeau and Myrtle (nee Borley). Her mother died at a young age. Dollard's large family took the children to Manitoba and raised them there. Denise and one of her younger brothers were raised by her Uncle Albert and Aunt Nellie.

The living conditions were pioneer like. They had no electricity. The children chopped wood, churned butter and drove a horse team with a stone boat to draw water from the lake.

Dollard married Emily when Denise was ten years old. Most of the children were reunited with him in Atikokan. This is where she met Ed. They were married on September 20, 1975.

They decided that Denise should be a stay-at-home mom. Her baking and domestic skills were unparalleled. She could make anything with wool or fabric. Denise's apple pies were legendary.

She was insistent that her children would not have the childhood that she had. Once they were somewhat independent, she turned her attention towards seniors. Denise earned a diploma from Confederation College and worked for Atikokan Home care and St. Joesph's Heritage. She always had a reverence for elderly people.

She spent her retirement looking after her grandchildren, quilting, doing pen and ink and baking. During Covid Denise and her daughter made masks and surgical caps. Some even made their way to New York. Always a reluctant traveller, she surprised Ed when she said she wanted to spend her 50th anniversary in Italy. She had the time of her life.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband Ed, her sister Sharol Bilodeau, brothers Lionel (Debbie), and David. Son Scott Chasty, daughters Sharol Bachmeier and Angela Chasty (Josh), Paul Bachmeier and special sisters Debbie Heinrichs (Brent), Donna Odell (Bill). Grandchildren Katja Chasty, Grayson Chasty. Mackenzie Bachmeier, Amelia Bachmeier, Tegan Chasty McLenaghan, and Lochlan Bachmeier.

Denise was predeceased by her parents Dollard, Myrtle and Emily Bilodeau. Special dad Albert Bilodeau and Nellie, also brother Ron Bilodeau. Sisters-in-law Barbara McDowell and Laura Chasty. Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Margaret Chasty.

We can never express our gratitude enough to the home care, Regional Hospital and St. Joesph's nurses and doctors. You made her passing so much more bearable.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring in Atikokan.

Denise could never walk by someone with their hand out without giving them something. In lieu of flowers you could donate to Shelter House or perhaps the next time you see a needy person, give them a little something and say this is from Denise.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca