Denise Vandal

Denise Vandal, 81, Moorhead, MN, died on Monday, November 29, 2010, in Sheyenne Crossing Care Center, West Fargo, ND.Denise Cossette was born on November 9, 1929, in Fargo, ND, to Midas and Alice Savageau Cossette. She grew up and attended school at St. Benedict, near Wild Rice, ND. After graduating from high school she attended St. Andrew's School of Nursing in Bottineau, ND, graduating as a Registered Nurse. Denise married Edward Vandal on November 15, 1950 and they made their home on a farm near Bottineau. Together they raised seven children. She worked at the Sanitarium in Dunseith, ND, and at St. Andrew's Hospital in Bottineau, ND. They moved to Fargo, ND, in 1962, and she went to work for St. John's Hospital where she served for many years as the Head Nurse in ICU/CCU. In 1965, they moved to Moorhead, MN. Her husband Ed died on February 9, 1996. As she neared the end of her career, she worked in home health for several years and then retired in 1994. In retirement, she was a devoted volunteer at St. Francis de Sales Church, bringing communion to and visiting with the sick, reading liturgy at mass and participating in bible study. She has been recognized as Mother of the Year in her parish.Denise had a quiet strength and was the foundation of her family. She had a strong faith that she practiced in every area of her life with a great capacity for love and forgiveness and a wonderful sense of humor. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing, making heritage quilts for her children and grandchildren, loved spending time at the lake and in the sun. Her family was everything to her and she was happiest when she was with them.She is survived by her children, Marci Ken Collins, Boulder, CO, Marlys Svobodny, Plymouth, MN, Jeannine McCann, Moorhead, MN, Loren Vandal, Moorhead, MN, Tammy Neil Braseth, Kalispell, MT, Leann Steve Wright, Moorhead, MN, and Michael Tracy Vandal, Plymouth, MN; brother, Andrew Donna Cossette, Fargo, ND; sisters, Angela Richard, Wolf Point, MT, and Betty Schwab, Fargo, ND; eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three brothers, Mike, Tom and Robert.Denise's family would like to express their appreciation to all the caregivers who have offered such excellent care and comfort over the past several years.Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley, St. Francis de Sales Catholic church, or the Eventide Foundation.