Denise D. Fortier

Springfield, VT: Denise Donna (Lord) Fortier, formerly of St. Johnsbury, VT, passed peacefully with her family beside her on June 15, 2026, at the Springfield Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Springfield, VT, where she has resided for the past 4 years.

Denise was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on September 21, 1950, daughter to the late Lawrence and Mary (Hagan) Lord. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the Class of 1968 and spent a few years in Worcester, MA working in data entry for Paul Revere Insurance. Denise returned to Hardwick, VT and worked for Fairbanks Scales, and later for Blue Cross Blue Shield, also in data processing. Denise and her family lived in Windham, ME for a few years and returned to St. Johnsbury, where she worked in insurance processing for Caledonia Insurance and managed MLS real estate listings for a period of time. The family moved to Warwick, RI where Denise finished up her career in the insurance department of AAA Auto Insurance. 

Denise had a love of a life and people, and was a devoted mom. She had a green thumb, loved to knit and draw, most especially horses and cats, and couldn’t get enough of Agatha Christie novels and scary movies. She enjoyed dancing and nights out with Mike, car shows and cruises, family gatherings at the pool (of which there were many), time at the rocky coast of Maine, particularly with her sisters, Linda Filie and Karen Sweeney. The ocean was her favorite place to be. 

She is survived by her 2 children: Michael C. Fortier, Jr. of San Antonio, TX, and Sheri Fortier of Nashua, NH, her good friend and former husband, Michael C. Fortier, Sr., of San Antonio, TX, her nephew, Mark Filie, of New Windsor, NY, her niece, Mary Beth Filie, also of New Windsor, NY, and the staff who became family at the Springfield Center for Living. 

Those who knew Denise will tell you she was a miracle with an amazing spirit, with vibrant blue eyes, a love of music, and an incredible ability to find joy in even the hardest of times. Friends of Denise and her family may call on the family anytime from 1-3PM Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT. Deacon Tom Lovett will close with prayer. 

The family wishes to offer many thanks to the staff at the Springfield Center for Living and Rehabilitation for the years of tremendous and loving care Denise received. Denise had a few favorites there, but she loved many there, and her family is eternally grateful for the connection, generosity, love and support shown to Denise and her family. 

Memorial Donations may be made in Denise’s honor to the Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting Alzheimer's Association /vermont or by sending funds directly to: Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, 75 Talcott Road, Suite 40, Williston, VT 05495.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at saylesfh.com.