Denise Virginia Gouchey (nee Sunshine), resident of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, formerly of Valleyview, AB, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021, in Valleyview, at the age of 83 years.

Denise was born on January 23, 1937, in High Prairie, AB. She was raised by her mother until she attended Sturgeon Lake Mission at age three and stayed there until she was sixteen. Afterwards, she met Tommy Gouchey, the love of her life after, and married him on April 2, 1955, at the age of 18. Their union produced twelve children. They opened their home to numerous family and friends throughout the years. Denise was a full-time mother, who loved her children, and all the children she raised.

She had a heart of gold; forever caring, very humorous, she had wisdom, and always helpful with kindness. She loved reading her bible and listening to music. She loved to dance, tell stories, and loved to buy things from catalogues.

Denise will be sadly missed by her children: Pat (Sandra), Emma, Alfred (Beverly), Verline, Rebecca (Gary), Kathleen, Wilma (Albert), Cheryl, Melvin, Everett, Judy and Elton (Annie); 41 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Tommy Gouchey in 2008; daughter Evelyn Gouchey in 1983; parents Isadore Sunshine and Marie Gladu; brothers: Johnny, Joseph, William, John and Frank; sisters: Alice, Eliza, Louise, Gertie, and possibly more unknown; her grandson Clyde Goodswimmer II; great-grandsons Brandon Moses and Jameson Goodswimmer; and great-granddaughter Angel Moses.

A Viewing was held on January 11, 2021.

A private service will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 1:00pm, which can be watched from home via livestream. A link to the livestream will be available 15-20 minutes before the service on her obituary page.

Memorial donations may be made to Valleyview Long Term Care (4802 Highway St. E., Valleyview, AB, T0H 3N0).