Denice Helen Hayward Lent, formerly of Hampton Bays, died on June 2. She was 82.
She was born on October 27, 1942, and, according to her family, lived a life full of grace, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished.
To know her was to witness wonderment, her family said. Filled with warmth, wisdom, and a quiet strength, she inspired all who had the privilege of crossing her path, they said. She was the heart of the family, the one who held everyone together with gentle hands and a fierce love that never wavered.
She was an active member of the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship. She first belonged to the Westhampton group, always supporting members with words of wisdom. One evening, she was sitting next to a new member who was fretful about how she could make her son’s Christmas nice, as she had little money. When the woman went to get coffee, Lent tucked a bit of money in her purse, never saying a word. Her good deeds are part of what made her so special, according to her family.
After moving to River Bend, North Carolina, she joined the Avenue D Group. Over time, it became too difficult to get to Avenue D, so her fellow members brought a meeting to her at home. Her many friends returned the love and support she freely gave.
She will be remembered as a very special lady.
“Her spirit will live on in every laugh we share, every tradition we keep, and in the enduring love she planted in all our hearts,” her family said. “We will miss her more than words can express, but we are forever grateful for the time we had and for the memories we hold dear.”
She is survived by her husband, Philip Lent; her daughters Lisa, Laura, Lynda and their families; her stepdaughter, Deirdre Clay and her family; and 10 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her stepson Christopher.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, (stjude.org).
Staff Writer on Jun 13, 2025