Anita “Denise” Vassar, age 69, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023. She was born on April 8, 1954, in Newport News, VA, to John Richard Denton and Venita Mae Budlong Denton.  Denise was a lifelong resident of Newport News, VA, where she attended Sedgefield Elementary and graduated from Warwick High School in 1972. Denise attended Smithfield Massey Business College in Richmond and worked for Firestone Insurance Company before switching careers to work as Foreign Disclosure Security at Fort Monrow until her retirement.

Denise was a lifelong member of Hilton Baptist Church and served many years as a church cook for many church-related events. She headed up Hilton Baptist Church’s annual craft show for many years. Her talent for the organization was never suppressed, and the BBQ was always a big hit! Denise was also a longtime member of Peninsula Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Virginia Consortium Quilters, and First Friday Sew Day. She loved making quilts to share with others. Denise participated in numerous quilt challenges and won top prizes multiple times for her unique and original works of art.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Edward Vassar; son, Stacy Lee Vassar; and sister, Robin Gail Denton.

Denise loved to teach and share her knowledge with everyone she met. She especially enjoyed teaching Bella how to sew and use the embroidery machine. Bella will never forget the time she spent with her bonus Granma!

Denise’s talents and spirit of giving will be greatly remembered and missed.

A memorial service will be held at Hilton Baptist Church on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 2:00 P.M.