Denise Francis Crofton passed away peacefully in the Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital on October 4, 2009. Denise was a true Salt Spring pioneer and was born at her parents farm house (later called the Harbour House Hotel) May 28, 1913.
Denise was the fifth child born to Alfred (Fred) and Nona (nee Wilson) Crofton. Denise’s grandfather was Rev. Wilson, one of the first Anglican ministers on Salt Spring who helped to build St. Mary’s Church. While her father Fred was overseas fighting in WWI, her mother Nona started a boarding house that later became Harbour House Hotel (named after the Crofton family home in Kingstown, Ireland) to help support their growing family.
Denise is predeceased by her six siblings Dermott, Desmond, Diana, Doreen, Donovan (Pat) and Dulcie. She leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and friends who admired and loved her unique and colourful character.
Denise loved sports and was an ardent golfer and tennis player. She was an avid hockey fan and loved her Saturday night hockey games as she knew all the teams and players. She enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage and loved flowers. She also enjoyed travelling but her true love was Salt Spring Island and her family and home were her most important priorities. She lived a remarkable life staying on the island she loved and on her family property that overlooked her beloved Ganges Harbour.
A memorial funeral service to celebrate Denise Crofton’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 2:30 pm. Following the graveside service a reception will be held at the Harbour House.
Special thanks to the Extended Care staff of the Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital, Dr. Resnick and her personal care giver of many years, Jill Hickford. Donations to Lady Minto Hospital Foundation are appreciated.