Denise Elaine (Sawyer) Ordzie of Groveton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 8, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was 70 years old.

"Dee," as she was known to almost everyone who knew and loved her, was born on September 3, 1953, in Littleton, NH to Gerald Benjamin Sawyer and Arlene Violette Foley. Dee graduated from Linwood High School in 1971, where she met her high school sweetheart, Larry Welch. They married the same year and later had two sons, Jason and Quinten ("Quinny"). After Larry passed, Dee met Tom Ordzie in 1992 and later married in 1993. Together, they lived on Wemyss Drive in Groveton until Tom's passing in early 2013. Dee and Tom shared a love of the Boston Red Sox and made many trips to Fenway Park. It was at those same games that you could find Dee sprinkling rainbow jimmies out of an old pill container onto a Fenway ice cream, to avoid the crazy jimmies upcharge, of course.

For many years, Dee worked at Four Doors Restaurant, the Stinehour Press, and the Groveton American Legion. Yet she would tell you her most rewarding role was being devoted to her family. She thoroughly enjoyed cheering on her sons, in-person and sometimes broadcast at home (still with a "21" shirt on), at the racetrack. There are many pictures of Dee, with her sister Paula, in "78" t-shirts as living proof of her love for supporting, taking care of, and being with family. Her family also extended to the Lincoln and Groveton American Legions, where she enjoyed spending her time.

She enjoyed cooking for her family, preparing the Thanksgiving meal for the family after the annual 'Turkey Bowl' football game, dishing out "puppy chow" and sweets to her family and friends, and even cooking weekly ham dinners for Tom and two of her grandchildren, Tyler and Lexi, who only ever knew her as "Meme."

Dee was 'tough as nails' and the epitome of a fighter. That resolve never wavered, not even near the end. Many will remember her for her seemingly immortal Dunkin' Donuts cups. Some will remember her for watching over many ping pong and darts battles in her home, slinging around in her Camaro, or dancing to Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' on her old stereo. She will be remembered by everyone, however, for her smile, her laughter, her hugs, and her quick wit.

Dee was predeceased by her father, Gerald Sawyer, and the two loves of her life: her first husband, Larry Welch, and her second husband, Tom Ordzie.

Dee is survived by her mother, Arlene Mulleavey of North Woodstock, NH; her sons, Jason Welch (Danielle) of Mobile, AL, and Quinny Welch (Sarah) of Groveton, NH; her sisters, Paula Over (Tom) of Bethlehem, NH, and Sara Sawyer (Regina) of Chichester, NH; her brothers, Derek Sawyer (Debbie) of Strafford, NH, Ken "Suga" Mulleavey (Lynne) of Loudon, NH, Leo Mulleavey (Tina) of Loudon, NH, and Joey Mulleavey (Beth) of Loudon, NH; eight grandchildren (Allyssa, Lukas, Nick, Tyler, Lexi, Patrick, Aspen, and Kerstin); nine great-grandchildren (Dawson, Sophia, Brason, Carson, Anderson, Kaden, Madilyn, Amelia, and Matthew); and many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and even more friends.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4pm on Saturday, January 13th at the American Legion Post 83; 183 Main Street in Lincoln, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dee's honor are appreciated to North Country Home Health and Hospice; 536 Cottage St.; Littleton, NH 03561. or the American Legion Post 17; 206 State St.; Groveton, NH 03582 and American Legion Post 83; 183 Main St.; Lincoln, NH 03251.

For directions to the service or to send the family your condolences via the online register book, please visit, www.armstrongcharronfuneralhome.com