Denise E. Sullivan's Obituary
With heavy hearts but cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Denise E. (Ouellette) Sullivan, 68, of Salem New Hampshire, on January 21, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in New Britain, Connecticut, Denise was the beloved daughter of the late Robert J. Ouellette, Sr. and Norma B. (Dyson) Ouellette.
For more than 36 years, Denise worked as a dedicated waitress at the 99 Restaurant in Salem, NH, where she became a familiar and friendly face to coworkers and customers alike. She formed lasting friendships with those she worked with and shared a special bond with her regulars, who she served over the years.
Denise enjoyed traveling, especially going on cruises with her husband, Jeff. “they recently took a trip of a lifetime - a Mediterranean cruise and a five day stay in Rome” Where they made unforgettable memories together. She loved attending Broadway musicals, shopping -especially at Marshalls- watching countless YouTube videos while planning for their upcoming travels and spending time at her happy place-the beach! Denise always had a love for golden retrievers. Over the years she was blessed to have four of them, but it was Sully who held a special place in her heart.
Denise is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 48 years, Jeffrey Sullivan of Salem, NH. She was the proud mother of two daughters: Jennifer Crane and her husband Eugene Crane III of Derry, NH and Kimberlee Simpson of Methuen, MA. Her greatest joys were her six wonderful grandchildren-Hannah, Matthew, Benjamin, Nicholas, Evelyn and Audrey. She also leaves behind her brothers- and sisters- in -law John and Monya Sullivan, Tom and Carol Sullivan and Jack Sullivan as well as several nieces, nephews, and many close friends.
In addition to her parents, Denise was predeceased by her brother, Robert J. Ouellette, Jr, and father and mother in law James and Florence Sullivan, sister-in-law Sharon Sullivan, and brother in law Errol van Edema.
Denise left a lasting impression on everyone she met. May her memory be a blessing and comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Family and Friends are invited to gather and celebrate Denise’s life during visiting hours on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at the Methuen Family Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA 01844. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:30am at St Monica’s Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA 01844. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Denise’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to her heart. Donations can be sent to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or made online at https://www.stjude.org/donate
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