Death date: Dec 27, 2021
Christine A. Denette, 76, of Stafford Springs, CT, and formerly of East Hartford, CT, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Evergreen Health Care Center, Stafford Springs, CT. She was born in Holyoke, MA, raised in Springfie Read Obituary
Miss Denette was my English teacher and one of my drama coaches at SHS. I have thought of her many times over the years. She had a way of helping us teens to be able to put ourselves and our lives aside, and live as someone else for a while. From exercises like making strange sounding human machines, or taking one shoe off and throwing it in a pile and then picking a different one up and running around trying to find its owner, to full on theatrics…. She had a way of helping us cast aside our inhibitions and fears of judgement and gave us a place to feel safe. She left a part of her with everyone who knew her. She who taught us that there is more than the written word, that words have life and meaning, expression and emotion behind them. She who was a master at bringing out the best in people… is appreciated beyond words. Although the curtain has dropped for her here, I imagine the sound of angels giving her a standing ovation as she enters the first chapter in her new book. To her special loved ones, she truly made a difference in my world and so many others. I send my heart felt love, hugs, prayers and condolences to you.
My Mother, Cathy Goolsby just let me know about the passing of one of my most favorite teachers from Stafford High School. I have often talked about her to my children, as they also have read William Shakespeare and other "greats" through high school. I graduated from SHS in 1978, and I still remember Julius Caeser, and reading so, so many good books in her class! She opened our eyes to the world of literature and imagination and taught with such thoroughness and kindness, you couldn't help but be excited to explore more after spending time with her. I remember also her support of girl's sports, and I love that I attended a high school so supported by so many teachers and the community. Stafford High and the town were blessed to have her, for sure. She put so many of us on a path to strive to do our best, no matter what it was.
Thank you Ms. Denette!
Janice Goolsby Kennedy
I was so sad to hear of Miss Denette's passing. I had her for English and it was one of my favorite classes. Her "board words" still live in my memory today. Thank you for being one of the best teachers I've ever had.
Stafford is lucky to have had people like Chris who dedicated their lives to make Stafford a better place. We are fortunate to have had them in our lives living with passion and dedication.
Many of us who had Ms. Denette remember her chanting: "be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been." Thirty years after graduating high school, and I still avoid those words and choose action words in writing. That's impact.
Stacy MacDonald
Aunty Chris was such an important part of my life. She was my fairy Godmother. She loved to spend time with all of her nieces and nephews. As soon as a new kid movie was out she took us. Every school vacation she did something with us. She even rented a Lakehouse one Summer and we spent time with her and her beloved dog Shannon. Another Summer she paid for us to take guitar lessons. She even took a couple of the younger nephews to Disney.
I was always so excited to go and watch the plays she directed each year with the drama club. I know those were some of her proudest moments with her students. Not having kids of her own, they became her kids. Holidays were special with her because she always played a board game or cards with us. Even as adults we tried to keep that tradition going. She was happy to catch up with us and happy for us as we made our own ways in the world.
She had such an awesome laugh. And I loved the way she called my dad "Ricky".
She was one of a kind. I will forever have her tucked inside a special place in my heart.
Love you Aunty oxoxoxox
Denise
