Denise Vlamynck Baron

Denise (Vlamynck) Baron, age 86, longtime resident of Elmwood Park, NJ and most recently a resident of Bozeman, MT, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023, at the Frontier Memory Care and Assisted Living Home in Livingston, Montana. Pre-deceased by her parents Livinus and Adrienne (Hanssens) Vlamynck of Gent, Belgium, and her (ex)husband Lucien Baron.   Denise is survived by her children Michael Baron of Ringwood, NJ, Cathy Carroll (and husband Chris) of Simpsonville, SC, Kenneth Baron (and wife Sara) of Brandon, VT, Jeffrey Baron of Sussex, NJ, and Jennifer Carter (and husband Ben) of Bozeman, MT.  She was a beloved grandmother to 6 grandchildren: Arianna & Aiden Carroll, TJ Baron and Jasmine, Joanna & Jasper Carter.  

Denise was born in Gent, Belgium on April 22, 1937.  Her childhood memories include fields of golden wheat, her dad making bread, and helping her mom bring chocolate bars to the American soldiers in the nearby street at the end of World War ll.  When she was 15, Denise and her parents came to the United States aboard the SS Queen Elizabeth. They settled in what was then East Paterson, NJ (now Elmwood Park).  Her dad worked in his family’s floral business, and Denise loved all of the flowers and her involvement in the greenhouses.  

Fluent in Dutch, French, German and English, Denise completed her high school education at Pope Pius High School in Passaic, NJ.  She went on to earn her higher education at a business institute in New York City, and then began her career as a legal secretary (and translator) for Sabena Belgian Airlines.  Everyday she rode the bus from Elmwood Park to her office overlooking 5th Avenue in Manhattan.  She took a hiatus from her career when she married Lucien Baron in 1962, and soon thereafter began what would be her greatest treasure in life - her family.  

Denise was a devoted mother to her 5 children, and her life revolved around being with, caring for and loving them.  She truly gave her all for her family.  Supportive of their interests, Denise was an active member of the High School Band Parents Association - hosting meetings at her home, and also played the fun role of Girl Scout “Cookie Mom” - lining her hallway with hundreds of boxes of cookies!  Known for her “cool” disposition, her home was often the location for loud band rehearsals in the basement and fun pool parties in the backyard.  Compassionate to everyone, Denise was known as “mom” to many of her children’s friends.

After raising her family, Denise resumed her career.  She initially worked in the editorial department of the Suburbanite Newspaper, and then returned to the work she most enjoyed as a legal assistant.  She worked for the pharmaceutical company BioCraft in Fair Lawn and then finished her career at Merck-Medco in Franklin Lakes.  

After retiring in 2007, Denise enjoyed spending extended periods of time visiting with her grandchildren in multiple states.  She spent the last four years of her life living with her daughter Jennifer and her family in Bozeman, Montana, where she was endeared to many as “Oma”, and she enjoyed her final adventures in the beautiful mountains out west!

During her life, Denise traveled to Jamaica, Bermuda, Europe and many of the US states. She enjoyed a Hawaiian cruise with Michael, and multiple trips with Jennifer to various faith and work related conventions including one in the Bahamas.  One of her most special trips took place when her children were grown and she was able to return to Belgium to reunite with her family and childhood friends.  

Denise had a wonderful disposition with a fun, playful nature; and her warm smile lit up the room.  She was quick to laugh and find the humor in a situation.  She gave wonderful and loving hugs and kisses.  For many years, Denise enjoyed playing her favorite card game on a regular basis with her friends.  While in Montana, she enjoyed attending aqua aerobics class and playing pool volleyball.  She participated in many family adventures camping, hiking, fishing and 4 wheeling.  She enjoyed going for walks and appreciated the beauty of each sunset.  Her love for music permeated her life.  She especially enjoyed operas, musicals and Englebert Humperdink.  She always had a song in her heart and a dance in her step. 

Denise’s faith in Jesus was strong, steady and unfailing.  She grew up Catholic, and regularly attended mass at St Leo’s Church in Elmwood Park and St Anne’s Church in Fair Lawn, NJ.  She knew the importance of God in her life and was quick to suggest prayer when His help was needed, and to give Him thanks when praises were due.  With Jennifer, she would attend the Christian church in Montana, and very much looked forward to attending women’s bible study times together.  Not only was The Fruit of the Holy Spirit clearly evident in Denise’s life, but she was a gracious woman who exuded God’s love freely, asking nothing in return.  

Denise was a loyal and true friend, blessed with many lifelong relationships both near and far.  She treasured all of the cards and letters she received and took great delight in selecting the perfect cards to send!  She was cherished by many, and is fondly remembered as a sweet, kind, special, and thoughtful woman.  Her memory will live in our hearts forever.

Cremation services were handled by Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston, MT.

Celebrations of life:

NEW JERSEY

Denise's family will be honoring her in a Memorial Mass at 10:00am on Thursday, Dec 28, 2023, at St Anne's Church, 15-05 Saint Anne Street, Fair Lawn, NJ.  Repast to follow, please RSVP your intention to attend by phone at 201-709-4423 or email jenandbencarter@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, dontations may be made to the family in person or via venmo @Jennifer-Carter-418.

MONTANA

Denise's life was celebrated in Montana at a private Memorial Service on November 18th at the Fireside room in Grace Bible Church.

Family can be reached by phone 201-709-4423 or email jenandbencarter@gmail.com

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

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