Denise Shopey Hazard Lawson

Denise Shopey Hazard Lawson, 88, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was born in Forestville, Connecticut, where she attended Greene-Hills School. She later moved to Winsted and continued her education at The Gilbert School, forming lifelong friendships and deep community ties that shaped the rest of her life.

On June 30, 1973, Denise made local history when she became one of the first female officers in the Winsted Police Department. She served with pride, professionalism, and unwavering determination, earning and proudly displaying an Expert Badge in Firearms.

In 2007, Denise moved to North Carolina, where she became active in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Elks, and other community organizations. She built a warm and welcoming life there, surrounded by family, friends, and the people she loved to help.

Denise is survived by her loving husband, Alan, of 14 wonderful years. She is also survived by her devoted daughter, Susan Hazard Stevens, of West Hartland, CT.

She leaves behind her caring stepchildren:
Alan Lawson Jr., (Terry ) of NC;
Rene Ayers, (Tim) of CT;
Rebecca Zumpe, (Chris) of NC;
Richard Lawson Sr. (Joline) of NC;
Ruthanne Palumbo, (Donny) of NC.

Denise is also survived by her brother, Robert Shopey, (Jessica) of Florida; her sisters-in-law, Karen Klebe and JoAnn Schmidt, of NC.

Among her greatest joys were her most treasured quadruplet grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally and spoke of proudly to everyone she met: Samantha Stevens, Amanda Stevens, Jonathan Stevens, (Anna), and Mallory Stevens, all of CT.

She was also a very proud great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren: Noah, Philip, Griffin, Ellery, and Callan.

As her love for children grew, so did her extended step-family of eight step-grandchildren: Ricky, Nathan, Gabe, Cory, Jacob, Ben, Ryan, and Chelsey; five step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-grandchild. She leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins who all meant the world to her.

Denise was predeceased by her parents; her former husband, Frank Hazard; her sisters, Kathy Shopey Mangle and Suzanne Shopey Heath; her brother, Daniel Shopey, all of Winsted, CT, and her son-in-law, Philip Stevens, of West Hartland, CT.

Some of Denise’s most extraordinary qualities were her strength, determination, spirited stubbornness, and her desire to live life to its fullest. Her family meant everything to her, and she will remain in our hearts and memories forever. We will always remember her favorite saying: “You can’t fly on one wing.”

A woman of strong Catholic faith, Denise was rarely seen without her rosary beads in hand. Now, with her two angel wings, she will continue to watch over all of us.

A celebration of life was held on March 7 in NC for family and friends. In accordance with her wishes, her ashes will be returned to Connecticut where family and friends are welcome to attend a second celebration of life to be held on May 9th, 12-2 PM at the VFW, 114 Colebrook River Road, Winsted, CT.