Denyse Parent

HOLLIS – Denyse Parent, 101, of Shy Beaver Road, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Paris in 1924, Denyse lived a remarkable life marked by strength and resilience. She was just 15 when World War II began. After the war, she studied law and married her first husband, a wine merchant, whose work took them to Morocco. Later, she met her second husband, Maurice, a U.S. Army officer, who brought her to Maine. Together, they bought what became Shy Beaver Trout Hatchery in Hollis, a business that the family still proudly runs.

As a newcomer to Maine, Denyse was touched by the warmth of the community. She gave back through her work with the Portland Symphony Women’s Committee, the Junior League, and as President of the Alliance Française du Maine. A passionate reader, she supported literacy by donating to the Portland Public Library and the West Buxton Library.

She was predeceased by her son Louis-Michel.

She is survived by her children, Marie-Noelle, Denys, and Brigitte; 11 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Denyse was the thread that held her big, spread-out family together, keeping them close across time and distance.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 9, at 3 p.m. at Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 13 Portland Rd., Bar Mills.

Memorial contributions may be made in her

memory to the

West Buxton Public Library

P.O. Box 324

Buxton, ME 04093