Mrs. Denise L. Brazie Chandler

Denise Lillian Brazie Chandler, 68, of Lenox, MA passed into the hands of our Lord on February 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home. Denise, born June 16, 1955, in Great Barrington, MA, was the daughter of Richard and Gloria Beacco Brazie. Raised in Lenox, she proudly remained a lifelong resident. A graduate of Lenox Memorial High School, Class of 1973, she served as Class Secretary. With her late ex-husband, Tom O’Brien then of Lenox, Denise purchased Martino Glass in Pittsfield, MA, and later opened Mirrored Interiors. In the early 90s, as a single mom, and with the love and support of her mother, she earned her Bachelor's degree with honors from UMASS Amherst. In 1995 Denise married her late husband, Richard G. Chandler of Lenox. They shared twenty eight years of love, happiness, and partnership, enjoying skiing, gardening, dogs, and travel. She was a devoted mother, actively involved in her son's life, spearheading fundraising efforts, chaperoning class trips, and creating a warm home. It was more common than uncommon to find her in the kitchen cooking and baking. Known as "The Queen” by her family, she ran a tight ship with unmatched warmth and generosity. Her Italian heritage reflected in her cooking and travels to Italy. Her Christmas celebrations legendary with a tree in every room and decorations that rivaled a New York City department store. Always fashionable with a larger-than-life style, she was known for her collection of expressive eyewear, dramatic scarves, bold necklaces, and ever-changing purses. Early in life Denise developed a deep love for animals, a passion nurtured by her father, and a defining characteristic that spanned her life. In childhood it was horses, grateful to spend any time she could at Aspinwall Stables in Lenox. In her early adulthood she began showing and owned her own horses. She cherished these years and continued to find serenity around horses throughout her life. Later in life it was her beloved dogs, first Irish Setters, then English Springer Spaniels, and most recently three Standard Poodles. Throughout the years she would dive into dog training, most recently as a member of the Albany Kennel Club. Denise evolved into an accomplished artist over the course of her life. Her intricate quilts and Ukrainian easter eggs decorate her home and the homes of her family. She explored anything creative that sparked her interest. Later in life it was photography, her camera became an extension of her arm. As a fine art photographer, she learned to capture the beauty of a moment with expertise. She completed a summer long intensive at the Maine Media Workshops in Rockport, ME, was represented by Sohn Fine Art in Lenox, and had her photography shown in the Berkshires and beyond. Denise was a loyal friend to many. She was a communicant of St. Ann Parish in Lenox. She is predeceased by her husband Richard, her mother Gloria, and her father Richard. Denise is survived by her son; Thomas J. O'Brien II of Lenox, siblings; Paul R. Brazie (Ewa) of Pittsfield, Cheryl B. Brennan (Jim) of Frederick, MD, and John D. Brazie of Woodlands, TX, friend and companion, Abe Streeter of Lee, many nieces, a nephew, and her beloved poodles. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 11am at St. Ann Parish in Lenox. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations in Denise's memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, МА 01240.

Mrs. Denise L. Brazie Chandler

June 16, 1955 - February 4, 2024