Carol Denise Burt Cushwa, age 79, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024. She was born on August 19, 1944, to the late Myrtle Elizabeth Burt and Frank Carl Burt.

Although born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in the suburb of Kirkwood, Denise always considered herself as a product of Stowe and her emotional affiliation was forever with Vermont. Throughout her childhood, her "branch" of the Burt family would frequently go for prolonged visits to Stowe, and it was a place she loved dearly. Following high school, Denise attended college at Beloit College of Wisconsin and then later transferred to the University of Kansas, achieving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology and Art History.

Post graduation, Denise entered graduate school at the University of Hawaii and in 1969, she took a job with the Michigan State University Natural History Museum, serving as their assistant curator and the Archaeological Editor. After leaving Michigan State in 1975, she moved "back" to Stowe, Vermont where she worked for Johnson State Teacher's College.

Denise then moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she was a member of the development team for the National Jewish Hospital. While working on a fundraising project in Youngstown, Ohio, she met and married the love of her life, Charlie Cushwa. In Youngstown, Denise was an active member of the Youngstown Playhouse, the Butler Institute of American Art, and the Youngstown Symphony. After Charlie's retirement in 1999, they purchased an 1830s farmhouse and meticulously renovated it as their residence in Stowe.

Returning to Stowe, Denise became especially involved in the community that she loved so much. She was a dedicated volunteer and board member of the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, an avid supporter and board member of the North County Animal League, and an active board member of Copley Hospital in Morrisville, Vermont. Denise was a devoted supporter of the Stowe Land Trust, Helen Day Arts Center, and Lake Mansfield Trout Club.

One of Denise's greatest passions was to travel, and her pursuit of adventure took her on many journeys throughout the world. She enjoyed visiting different countries and experiencing new cultures with friends and family. At home, you could find Denise in her gardens, entertaining friends, or reading one of her many books. Denise had a soft spot for fury friends, treating them like the valuable family members they were. She was a tenacious fundraiser, mentor, and friend of many. Her devotion, sense of humor, and quick wit were qualities that contributed to lifelong friendships. Denise's lasting influence on those who knew her is immeasurable.

Denise was the beloved wife of the late Charles B. Cushwa III. She will be missed by her children, Mary (Peter) Horton and Elizabeth Fitch; grandchildren, Will and Reed Horton; sister Rebecca (late Bill) Tandy; nephews, Tyler, Colin, and Carter Myers; and many cousins and friends.

A special thanks to The Arbors at Shelburne and UVM Hospice doctors, nurses, and aides.

Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at STOWE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 137 Main St, Stowe, Vermont 05672. The Memorial Service will be recorded and available through the Stowe Community Church Live Stream @ Stowechurch.org (click celebrate with us), for those not able to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may donate to one of the following: North County Animal Shelter, 16 Mountain View Meadow Rd., Morrisville, VT 05661. Online at: https://www.ncal.com/get-involved/donate/; OR, Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, 1 South Main St., Stowe, VT 05672. Online at: https://vtssm.org/donate.

To share memories or condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com.