Denise D. Dunton of South Berwick, Maine passed away peacefully with her three children at her side on April 26 ^th , 2022. Denise was born in Kennebunkport, Maine on August 19 ^th , 1959. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Delight (Hallowell) Doane, whom she cared for as a young adult until their passing.

Denise was the youngest of seven children, with two additional siblings passing away in infancy. Denise is predeceased by both of her parents, her brother Henry, sisters Marioner, Diana, Elizabeth, and Debby, and is survived by sister Dorcas as well as well as her beloved niece Desiree. In addition, Denise leaves many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends in her passing.

Denise was a shy child that spoke lovingly of her pet Duck Daphne and her dog Princess. She enjoyed her childhood and tagging along with her older siblings. Denise spoke with great excitement of the adventures she would go on with her sisters and her love of music, specifically her two favorite songs "Free Bird" and "Me and Bobby Mcgee".

Denise started her family in 1986 with her firstborn child Alicia Delight Doane, followed by meeting and marrying her Husband Steve Dunton in 1988. This marriage led to the birth of her Irish twins Stephanie and Steven Dunton Jr born in 1988 and 1989 with just a nine-month difference between the two. The family continued to grow with the addition of their beloved pet dog, Spanky. When Denise's children grew the family expanded with grandchildren, whom they adoringly called Denise, Grandma D. (Oldest to youngest) Molly, Kiley, Katie, Emily, Timothy, Skylar, and Samantha. Denise was blessed with two more grandchildren Olive and Allison in 2019 who called her MeeMaw.

Denise spent most of her adult life as a stay-at-home Mother and then worked for quite some time at 7-11 in Kittery, Maine where she formed many friendships. Denise was a devoted mother and the definition of unconditional love. Her children cannot express the amount of grief they share in her passing. Denise was an avid reader who enjoyed sharing books with her daughter Stephanie, as well as trips to the beach in search of sand dollars. She enjoyed games of cribbage with her daughter Alicia as well as the many years she spent living with her. She enjoyed quality time with her youngest Steven, which typically included their favorite adult beverages next to the campfire. Denise was well known for her caring nature in addition to her tough as a nail persona.  She was a huge fan of Judge Judy and convinced her children early in life she really did have eyes in the back of her head. Denise and her Husband Steve informally separated in 2011 and were able to form a caring friendship that Denise valued until her passing. Denise will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially her family.

Denise will be remembered for the kind and caring woman that she was, her big heart, her famous chicken soup, her stubbornness, and her selflessness. Her sacrifices as a mother will never be forgotten.  As in her favorite song, we hope she is now free as a bird and full of peace.

Services: A celebration of life will be held on May 28 ^th , 2022, from 1-3 at 92 Academy St, South Berwick Maine. Her care has been entrusted to J.S Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Denise's favorite organization The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.