.With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Denise Heavens of Wolcott on Wednesday February 25, 2026 in Waterbury at the age of 45. Denise was the devoted mother of Aubrey LaChapelle and loving fiancé of Kurt Gandarillas.

 Born in Bridgeport CT on March 29, 1980 to Jacqueline (Polvere) Williams and the late William B. Heavens. She graduated from Wolcott High School in 1999 and then earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Teikyo Post University. She has worked at the Carter Mario Law Firm as a Paralegal for fifteen years.

 Denise was a very caring, fun-loving person who enjoyed country music, concerts, line dancing, the outdoors, and motorcycle rides with her fiancé to various vineyards and breweries. She absolutely adored animals, especially her cats Riley and Sheldon. In addition to Kurt and Aubrey, Denise also leaves her parents, Jackie and Ken Williams, her nephew Tyler Heavens who was like a brother to her, Samantha Gandarillas and Rob LaChapelle. She also leaves several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Denise’s life on Saturday March 7th , at Woodtick Memorial 420 Woodtick Rd. in Wolcott with visitation hours from 12 until 2 PM and a Memorial Service beginning at 2 PM. Woodtick Memorial is honored to serve Denise’s family at this difficult time and you may visit www.woodtickmemorial.com for directions and tributes.

In lieu of sending flower donations, Denise’s family kindly asks that you please make a donation to her favorite charity: Cat Assistance of New York. The organization focuses on rescuing, fostering, and rehoming cats to their forever homes. Please mail a check made out to “Cat Assistance” to:PO Box 539Ardsley NY 10502 

The family would like to give special thanks to Carter Mario and his entire team for their friendship and support while Denise courageously faced her health challenges.