Denise Horton Obituary

Denise Michelle Horton, of Pembroke, passed away on June 27, 2025 at the age of 73. She was the daughter of the late Jennie (Scaduto) and Gerard "Rardy" Driscoll of South Boston.
Denise was raised in Southie where she was a graduate of South Boston High School class of 1971. She then went on to become a Veterinarian Technician and worked at Angell Memorial Hospital. Denise retired as the Animal Control Officer for the town of Halifax after many years. She settled in Pembroke to raise her family.
Denise was a kind and caring woman. She had a free-spirited and wild way to her. Denise was a nature lover and enjoyed going on walks, hiking with her dogs. Her love for all animals was like none other. Especially, her very special Rhodesian Ridgeback, Gideon. Denise loved going to White Horse beach, sitting with her closest friends by the shore in their circle of lounge chairs. When she was home, you could often find her watching the History channel or cartoons. She enjoyed cartoons so much because they always have a happy ending. She was a true patriot, a proud American, very proud of our nation-its history, traditions, and so grateful to the heroes who gave everything for our freedom. Denise had an animated personality, which made everyone around her smile.
Denise was the wife of the late Paul Douglas Horton. Mother of Heather Linskey-March and her husband Joseph March of Pembroke, whom Denise often referred to Joe as, "The great one", Nichole Holmes and her husband Bill of Plymouth, and the late Paul Gerard Horton of Pembroke, who she reunited with in heaven at last. Cherished "Nonnie" of Haley March and her long-time boyfriend Joseph Sweeney, Jennie Holmes, Madilyn Holmes, Caylin Holmes, and Samarah Holmes. Denise is also survived by her former husband, and friend Kevin Linskey.
Denise loved being a Mother to her three kids and created memories that will last a lifetime. One of Nichole's favorite memories include her annual trips to the White Mountains with her Mother and her brother, Paul. Heather shares that her favorite memory of her Mother was seeing how much she cherished being a wonderful grandmother to her daughter, Haley.
She took so much pride in being a Nonnie and would say being called Nonnie is one of her greatest gifts and no one did it better.
Being a "Nonnie" to Haley, Jennie and Madilyn was such a blessing. Denise would refer to Haley as "My Haley" and they had a bond like no other. Best friends who loved each other with all their heart. Even when not feeling her best, Denise always put on a happy face when around Haley and her Grandchildren. They shared lots of laughs together. Their favorite days were spent with each other.
Denise shared her love of being a Nonnie by constantly showing off her "Best Nonnie Ever" clothing, purses, mugs, and jewelry. Haley shares many of her best memories being the times that she and Denise shared laughs at her house, going on Easter Egg hunts, even at the age of 22, which Haley went along with to make Nonnie happy, trips to Fedele's chocolates many days after Elementary School to pick out chocolate, and truly every moment they had together, they both treasured. Haley will always remember and carry with her the love, compassion, and kindness her Nonnie gave to everyone. Haley's boyfriend, Joseph Sweeney also meant the world to Denise. As Denise would call him, "Mr. Sweeney", he was a vibrant light to her, and the relationship they shared was truly special. Joe was the only "Grandson" that Nonnie had, and she cherished every moment, Joe called her his Nonnie, and she just loved that.
Denise was a valuable, loyal and a true friend. She was blessed with many friends including a lifetime best friend Corrine Trabulsie together they shared so many fond moments and so many memories. Denise cherished her friendship with Fred Whaley years of happy times. These are all friendships, she held close in her heart. As well as Janet O'Neil, who Denise was grateful to have as a caring neighbor and a very loyal friend, who always was there with a smile. Billy Howes and Denise shared many great years of friendship together. Kathy Alms was another true friend, who Denise would spend a lot of days hiking with, making memories on and off the trails. So many other friends, too many to mention, she truly cherished you all.
Denise is survived by her very special Aunt Doris McFarland of Falmouth who she cherished. Many loving cousins who she shared so many wonderful childhood memories with and continued through the years.
Stemming from her love of cartoons, her favorite cartoon, "Nature Cat", repeats the phrase "Onward and Yonward", which encourages people to move forward. Denise lived her life with such grace and positivity. Even with many health challenges, she always found a way... During this sad time, she would want to encourage all her family and friends to move "Onward and Yonward" and live a fun life with no regrets like she did even towards the end.