LITCHFIELD – Our hearts ache as we say goodbye to Denise Katherine (Turcotte) Sweet, 68, of Litchfield, who passed away on April 4, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was a woman of unwavering strength, a constant source of love and laughter and a true inspiration to us all. Denise was a devoted wife to Gary for over 47 years, a loving mother to Leigh and Anna, and a cherished grandmother to Kate, William, Marco, Benjamin, and Oliver.

Denise was born on Sept. 24, 1956 to Jeannette and Roger Turcotte. She was welcomed into a large family, being the eleventh of 13 children. Denise attended Monmouth Academy, graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and later obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching.

While home for a visit from college, Denise met a friend of her brother, Butchie, and her life was never the same. Gary Sweet caught her eye from the moment they met, and Denise was smitten. Denise married Gary, the love of her life, on Aug. 26, 1977 and they went on to build a prosperous life together.

Soon after they married, Denise and Gary took over Spear Insulation based out of Sabattus. They created a strong partnership in managing the insulation business and achieved well-deserved success. Early in their marriage they began investing in rental properties, and in 1988 they transitioned fully from insulation to real estate, including management of Jordan School Apartments in Lewiston.

Denise and Gary had two daughters, Leigh and Anna. Denise treasured her two girls and was always there to show her love and support through all of life’s occasions. Whether it was making costumes, volunteering at school activities, attending soccer games, dance recitals or graduations, she was always involved and was their biggest cheerleader. Denise was very proud of her daughters and the women they grew up to be.

One of Denise’s greatest joys was spending time with her five beautiful grandchildren. Whether singing lullabies and rocking them to sleep, making crepes together, running around playing hide and seek, climbing trees or splashing in the waves, she was up for any adventure. She showered them with attention and always showed them how deeply they were loved.

Spending time with loved ones was very important to Denise. Hosting 4th of July activities and the family Christmas Eve celebration allowed her to stay connected to her large family. She loved her daily walks with her sisters, and playing pool volleyball with her family was one of her favorite activities. She loved games and playing cards or scrabble with her mother each night. She was a crossword puzzle and word game whiz! Following her retirement to Venice, Fla. she enjoyed lunch dates and book clubs with close friends.

Denise had a great love for music. Family dance parties at home with her girls and grandchildren were a regular occurrence. She may not have always sang the right words, but man could she keep the beat. She was also an avid reader, a practitioner of yoga who loved meditation and spirituality, and was always striving for personal betterment.

Denise is survived by her husband, Gary, her daughter, Leigh Sweet and husband Pedro Contreras, her daughter, Anna Sweet and husband Brian St. Pierre; five grandchildren, Kate St. Pierre, William St. Pierre, Marco Contreras, Benjamin St. Pierre and Oliver Contreras; her sister, Jackie Barrett, brother, Bert Turcotte and wife Pat, sister, Alice MacPeake and husband Mac, sister, Judy Schram and husband Bud, sister, Susan Poppish and husband Dave, sister, Jane Connors, brother, Roger “Butchie” Turcotte Jr. and wife Becky, brother, Tom Turcotte and wife Pam, and sister, Peggy Veroneau and husband Steve. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews; as well as great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Denise was predeceased by her father, Roger Turcotte, her mother, Jeannette Turcotte; her brothers Robert and Michael Turcotte, and her sister, Elaine Braunfels.

Visitation will be held Wednesday April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home, 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston. Funeral Services will be held Thursday April 10 at 11 a.m. at Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home, 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home, 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, ME 04240, 207-784-4023.